Barkindo: Nigeria most admired OPEC member country

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has described Nigeria as the most admired member country in the global oil market.

Last week, OPEC also commended Nigeria for passing the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

Mohammad Barkindo, secretary-general of the organisation, disclosed this in a congratulatory message released on Monday to mark the 50th anniversary of Nigeria’s membership in OPEC.

Barkindo said he believes that the partnership between OPEC and Nigeria can continue to flourish over the next 50 years.

“Nigeria is consistently regarded as one of the most admired and respected members of the OPEC family, particularly in the realm of consensus-building,” he said.

“Many giants of Nigerian public service have been responsible for this successful relationship.

“Today is an important opportunity to reflect on their legacy and give thanks for the ways in which they have moulded our organisation.

“In undertaking this noble endeavour, we will continue to rely on your full support.”

He quoted President Muhammadu Buhari as saying on Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary that if Nigerians pursue aspirations together, they will achieve much.

“These are sagacious words, and I see them as a guide for the future of OPEC and Nigeria’s membership of our organisation. We are always stronger together.

“Once again, Mr President, allow me to thank you for your steadfast support for OPEC. You have made an immeasurable contribution to the betterment of our organisation,’’ he said

He said the unique relationship between OPEC and Nigeria had a multitude of positive effects for both parties.

“The intertwining of the destinies of OPEC and Nigeria even precedes membership. On Sept. 14, 1960, OPEC was founded on the bank of the River Tigris in Baghdad.

“Just two weeks later, on Oct 1, 1960, Nigeria joined the fraternity of independent nations.

“Since these momentous events, both OPEC and Nigeria have repeatedly demonstrated their commitment to the universal values of international cooperation, dialogue, sustainable development and working toward the common good.

“These principles have anchored all of our activities despite the many challenges we have faced over the 50 years,’’ he added.

Barkindo noted that the OPEC family owe Nigeria a debt of gratitude for the pivotal role it played in bringing together OPEC and non-OPEC countries and reaching consensus in recent years, particularly through the adoption of the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC) on December 10 2016.

“You have consistently shown your impeccable credentials as a bastion of the principles underpinning international relations: respect for all nations, fulfilling one’s responsibilities, transparency and fairness,” he added.

“I thank you most sincerely for your contributions to the broad efforts made to ensure that the DoC evolved from a noble vision to a transformative force-for-good – one that has had a profoundly positive impact on the global oil industry.”

He also commended Nigeria for playing a leading and inspirational role on the African continent in oil and gas affairs and cooperation.

Nigeria joined OPEC on July 12, 1971.