OPEC Sec-General, Muhammad Barkindo Is Dead

The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Muhammad Sanusi Barkindo has died.

Naija News understands that the outgoing Sec-Gen died at about 11p.m on Tuesday at the aged 63.

Mele Kyari, group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, announced his death.

In a post on Twitter, Kyari wrote: “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’s tenure as OPEC Secretary General was due to end on July 31, Naija News reports.

His death came few hours after President Muhammadu Buhari celebrated him for his good service.

Buhari had on Tuesday said: “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.”