OPEC secretary general, Mohammad Barkindo, passes away

OPEC Secretary General, Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, passed away on July 5, in his home country Nigeria.

OPEC extended its deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones, official news agency WAM reported.

OPEC Secretary General, HE Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, passed away yesterday in his home country Nigeria. He was the much-loved leader of the OPEC Secretariat and his passing is a profound loss to the entire OPEC Family, the oil industry and the international community. pic.twitter.com/xYDQvhG0n2

— OPEC (@OPECSecretariat) July 6, 2022

“This tragedy is a shock to the OPEC Family. We express our sorrow and deep gratitude for the over 40 years of selfless service that Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo gave to OPEC. His dedication and leadership will inspire OPEC for many years to come,” OPEC added.

The Secretary General of Riyadh-based International Energy Forum, Joseph McMonigle, also expressed  grief over Barkindo’s death. “He will be remembered as a significant figure in the history of global energy governance. He was an exceptional diplomat who made a remarkable contribution to the stability of global energy markets,” he added.

The world lost a great leader today, and for me personally, a good friend & colleague. On behalf of the @IEF_Dialogue, we express our sadness and condolences to the family, friends & colleagues of @OPECSecretariat HE Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/hDfFnLyEdb

— IEF SG Joseph McMonigle (@ief_sg) July 6, 2022

Barkindo assumed the position of Secretary General on August 1, 2016.

“He served the Organization with great distinction and helped it successfully navigate through two major industry downturns (2015-2016 and 2020-2021), was instrumental in the setting up of the Charter of Cooperation (CoC), and was a consummate diplomat in further advancing dialogue and cooperation with a variety of industry stakeholders,” OPEC said on its website.