The Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari, has been appointed Nigeria’s National Representative to the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
The NNPC in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday by its Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ndu Ughamadu, said the appointment was made by Nigeria’s Head of Delegation to the OPEC Conference and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu.
Mr Kachikwu, who is also the Chairman of NNPC Board, said the position required Mr Kyari’s deep experience to lead Nigeria’s team to the OPEC Economic Commission Board (ECB) which precedes the bi-annual meetings of the OPEC ministerial conference.
The ECB has the responsibility to review the global crude oil markets as well as makes inputs from the perspectives of the individual member countries.
Nigeria, a leading member of the group, has continued to grow in influence and status in recent times.
A former Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mohammed Barkindo, is the incumbent secretary general and head of the OPEC Secretariat.
The NNPC said Mr Kyari may from time to time be required to provide any support to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and the OPEC Governor in the performance of Nigeria’s roles and participation in OPEC matters.
A geologist of repute, Mr Kyari has worked with the NNPC as a “quintessential crude oil marketer with prerequisite certification and outfield pedigree in petroleum economics and crude oil and gas trading,” the NNPC said.
“Within the last 26 years, he has traversed the entire value chain of the petroleum industry, posting resounding performances in all his assignments and duty posts.
“Under his watch, the Crude Oil Marketing Division of the NNPC has recorded noticeable transformation in the management and sales of the various Nigeria’s crude oil grades via an infusion of transparency and automation of the processes,” the corporation added.