Lawan describes the sudden death of Barkindo, who was to conclude his second term at OPEC at the end of July, as tragic.

The Senate President described Barkindo’s leadership of the global oil cartel as exemplary, noting that the deceased worked assiduously to build cooperation between OPEC and non-OPEC countries to save the energy market at a time of a global crisis.

Lawan says Barkindo’s pragmatic approach and hard work at the critical time brought stability to the volatile oil market.

The Senate President said Barkindo’s stewardship at OPEC made him a pride for Nigeria and Africa, adding that his death is a monumental loss to Nigeria, the world and particularly to the global energy community.

“The news of the tragic death of OPEC Secretary-General, Mohammed Barkindo, came to me as a rude shock.

“Barkindo’s exemplary leadership at the global oil cartel brought stability to the ever-volatile oil market.

“The world will remember him for how he was able to rally both the OPEC and non-OPEC members together to save the energy market.

“The world will miss him and particularly the global energy community,” Lawan says.