Nigeria, Feb. 15 -- A former Nigerian minister of finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has emerged the first female Director-General of the World Trade Organization.

Mrs Okonjo-Iweala was confirmed DG of the trade body in a statement by the WTO on Monday.

The United States government had last week announced its endorsement of Mrs Okonjo-Iweala for the top job.

It became clear earlier on Friday that Mrs Okonjo-Iweala, a former World Bank executive, would likely clinch the coveted post after her final challenger to the position, South Korean Trade Minister and candidate, Yoo Myung-hee, announced her withdrawal.

Ms Yoo made the decision after discussions with the U.S. and other major nations, a statement from Korea's trade ministry said on Frid...