On Tuesday, at about 11 p.m., he passed away. His age was 63.

Mele Kyari, group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, confirmed his passing.

His passing happened a few hours after President Muhammadu Buhari thanked him for his sterling service.

Kyari tweeted: “We lost our esteemed Dr. Muhammad Sanusi Barkindo. He died at about 11pm yesterday 5th July 2022.

“Certainly a great loss to his immediate family, the NNPC, our country Nigeria, the OPEC, and the global energy community. Burial arrangements will be announced shortly.”

Barkindo’s tenure as OPEC Secretary-General would have ended July 31.

Praising Barkindo yesterday, Buhari said: “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.”