Mohammed Barkindo Dies Hours after being Praised by President Buhari

Muhammad Barkindo, the Secretary- General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has died hours after being honoured by the president of Nigeria, Mohammadu Buhari.

According to Mele Kyari, the Managing director of OPEC, Barkindo died on Tuesday night.

Kyari tweeted, “We lost our esteemed Dr Muhammad Sanusi Barkindo. He died at about 11pm yesterday 5th July 2022. Certainly a great loss to his immediate family, the NNPC, our country Nigeria, the OPEC, and the global energy community. Burial arrangements will be announced shortly.”

Barkindo had been honoured earlier on Tuesday by President Buhari in the State House, Abuja for his duties at OPEC.

He was scheduled to retire as OPEC Secretary General this July

The President praised him, describing him as a worthy ambassador of the country.

Buhari said in a statement signed by Femi Adesina, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, “You have indeed been a worthy ambassador of our country.We are proud of your achievements before and during your appointment at OPEC and the proud legacies you will leave behind.”

“Your time in charge of the affairs of OPEC has been a very challenging one for the global oil industry. Oil producers were finding it difficult to come together to address challenges that were crippling the oil market.”

He added, “Not long after, the world was faced with the COVID-19 pandemic that sent crude prices spiralling down at an alarming rate. You showed incredible leadership to rally industry players and pushed through the turbulent times.

“There is no doubt about your efforts in putting together the Declaration of Cooperation which is the largest in the history of OPEC and the global oil industry and also the longest in duration in the history of the organization. This was a herculean task.” He added.