The United States has given reasons why it is against the election of Nigeria’s nominee and former finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the next director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

U.S. in a statement released by its trade representative on Wednesday, said the WTO is in dire need of reform and should be led by an expert with real, hands-on experience in the field.

The USTR, led by Robert Lighthizer said;

“The United States supports the selection of Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee as the next WTO Director-General,” .

“Minister Yoo is a bona fide trade expert who has distinguished herself during a 25-year career as a successful trade negotiator and trade policy maker. She has all the skills necessary to be an effective leader of the organization

“This is a very difficult time for the WTO and international trade. There have been no multilateral tariff negotiations in 25 years, the dispute settlement system has gotten out of control, and too few members fulfill basic transparency obligations.

“The WTO is badly in need of major reform. It must be led by someone with real, hands-on experience in the field.”