The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Muhammad Sanusi Barkindo, has died at 63.
Sanusi, who hails from an oil-rich West African nation, Nigeria, reportedly died at about 11 pm on Tuesday, 5th July 2022.
Nigeria’s NNPC Limited Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari, wrote via his Twitter handle on Wednesday morning: “We lost our esteemed Dr Muhammad Sanusi Barkindo. He died at about 11 pm 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,’’ he said.
In a statement, the oil cartel said, “OPEC extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, loved ones and his home country, Nigeria. It is a day in which words are not enough, but it is also important to express our deep gratitude for the over 40 years of selfless service that HE Barkindo gave to OPEC.
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.
— Mele Kyari (@MKKyari) July 6, 2022
“His dedication and leadership will inspire OPEC for many years and decades to come.’’
Barkindo’s death occurred a few hours after he was celebrated by President Muhammadu Buhari for his good service.
Barkindo’s tenure as OPEC Secretary-General would have ended on July 31.
Praising Barkindo yesterday, Buhari 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.”
The Ministry of Petroleum Resources is thrown into mourning over the passing of H.E Muhammad Barkindo Sanusi.
This is a great loss to Nigeria, to OPEC, to the Energy sector and most compassionately to his family which we have in our prayers and thoughts.
H. E. Timipre Sylva pic.twitter.com/Hn7NMsgnWR— Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria (@FMPRng) July 6, 2022
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
