COVID-19 made your time as OPEC scribe difficult, Buhari tells Barkindo

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja 

President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, in Abuja said the six years of Mohammed Barkindo, as the 4th Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) secretary general were quite challenging given the impact of COVID-19 pandemic that sent crude prices spiralling down at an alarming rate.

According to a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari noted this in an audience with Barkindo, in the State House, describing him as a worthy ambassador of the country.

The president said posterity will remember him kindly for making the nation and himself proud during his six years of meritorious service.

The president directed the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to mobilise the oil and gas industry to organise a befitting welcome reception in honour of Barkindo.

“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.”