Mohammad Barkindo, OPEC secretary general, dies aged 63 in Nigeria

The secretary general of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, died last Tuesday night (5) in his native Nigeria, aged 63.

OPEC’s official Twitter account released the information, which it called a “profound loss to the entire OPEC Family, the oil industry and the international community.”

The cause of death has not yet been published.

“We express our sadness and deep gratitude for the more than 40 years of selfless service that Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo has rendered to OPEC,” the organization said, concluding that his “dedication and leadership will inspire OPEC for many years to come.”

Barkindo was about to step down from the post, which he held for six years. This Tuesday, the secretary was received in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, by the country’s president, Muhammadu Buhari, on which the head of state said that Barkindo “was a worthy ambassador for the country.”

“We are proud of your achievements before and during your appointment to OPEC and the legacy you will leave behind,” Buhari said, according to a statement issued by OPEC.

On the occasion, Barkindo also thanked Buhari: “with his advice and guidance, I left for various capitals around the world to try to convince them to understand the gravity of the situation and the need to urgently join OPEC”.

In addition to Covid-19 and the invasion of Ukraine, the secretary was challenged by the arrangements for an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Russia for production within the scope of OPEC and allies (OPEC+).

According to Bloomberghis successor, Haitham Al-Ghais, from Kuwait, is expected to take office early next month.