OPEC Sec Gen Barkindo hails Buhari, National Assembly for passing PIB

Secretary General of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari and the ninth National Assembly for passing into law the Petroleum Industry Bill.

Barkindo, who was giving his goodwill message at the 5th Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja on Monday, praised President Buhari for “his fervent, steadfast support of Nigeria’s energy industry”.

“I would like to first recognize His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari and express my sincere appreciation for his fervent, steadfast support of Nigeria’s energy industry, which is so well represented at this Summit. This highly successful track record of supporting Nigeria’s industry took a massive leap forward last year when the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) was passed by both chambers of 9th National Assembly of our great country,” Barkindo said.

“This long-awaited legislation for the oil and gas sector is bringing about the necessary reforms designed to strengthen institutions, solidify regulatory and fiscal frameworks and attract much-need investment in a sustainable manner. I commend the 9th National Assembly for enacting this long-awaited legislation.”

He also described President Buhari as an “OPEC veteran”, who has continued to maintain “his avid interest” in OPEC’s affairs.

“At OPEC, we very much consider President Buhari as ‘one of our own.’ An OPEC veteran, he has been heavily involved in the Organization’s affairs for decades and is currently the only person in serving Head of State in the world who made his career by being intensely involved in the OPEC family. He has maintained his avid interest in our Organization and we all draw inspiration from his commitment,” he added.

The OPEC Secretary General who addressed the summit virtually, said he could not physically be in Abuja,” due to the fast-changing geopolitical situation in Europe, with its many implications for energy markets.”