*Says Nigeria’s diplomatic force, consensus builder roles testament
By Teddy Nwanunobi
The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has congratulated Nigeria for passing the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).
Valuechain reports that the PIB was passed last Thursday by the chambers of the 9th National Assembly.
Speaking at the opening day of the 20th Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, on Tuesday, OPEC’s Secretary General, H.E. Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, said that the 9th National Assembly has engraved itself in gold by passing the Bill.
“It is both an honour and a privilege for me to address this 20th edition of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition. Although it would have given me the utmost pleasure to return home and be with you in person, unfortunately the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions have prevented me from doing so. This being the case, we nevertheless join you there in Abuja in heart and soul!
“Allow me to first recognise His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, and express my deep appreciation for his avid, undying support of Nigeria’s energy industry, which is so well represented at the proceedings of this Conference and Exhibition.
“Mr. President, allow me, on behalf of OPEC, to congratulate you on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which was just passed by both chambers of the 9th National Assembly of our great country. This long-awaited legislation for the oil and gas sector will help guide the necessary reforms designed to strengthen institutions, solidify regulatory and fiscal frameworks and attract much-need investment in a sustainable manner. The 9th National Assembly has engraved itself in gold in passing the Petroleum Industry Bill,” he said in his keynote address.
Barkindo stated that OPEC was deeply indebted to Buhari for the leading role he has played, and continues to play in support of the OPEC-non-OPEC Declaration of Cooperation (DoC) process.
“This historic achievement has ushered in a new era in global energy cooperation as OPEC and its non-OPEC partners continue to provide crucial support to the oil market, in the interest of producers, consumers and the global economy.
“I would like to also recognise my brother, His Excellency, Timipre Sylva, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Head of Delegation for OPEC. Excellency, your leadership and active participation continue to enrich our ongoing pursuits to forge a lasting stability in the oil market. On the domestic front, your ongoing contributions and leadership in guiding Nigeria’s energy industry into the future are both impressive and commendable.
“Excellencies, distinguished delegates, in its 20 years, the Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition has risen to become one of Nigeria’s and indeed Africa’s largest and most prominent industry events. Its creation was the brainchild of two icons of our industry. I am referring, of course, to the late Dr. Rilwanu Lukman of Nigeria and the late Dr. Alirio Parra of Venezuela.
“Their close working relationship, visionary leadership and even more importantly their strong personal friendship were the key ingredients behind the creation of this important forum we are having today.
“We will miss these two industry icons more than ever this year as OPEC returns to its birthplace in Baghdad, Iraq this September to commemorate the 60th anniversary of its founding. I assure you, however, that their names will figure prominently in the many heartfelt tributes that will be made on this very special occasion,” he stated.
Barkindo also praised Nigeria for the long leadership role it has played at OPEC.
“Indeed, we will have a full programme of festivities planned to mark this momentous occasion, including the launch of the 60th Anniversary commemorative book, entitled OPEC at 60 and Beyond, which offers an in-depth chronology of the life and times of OPEC from 1960 to date.
“Speaking of commemorations, we have another major milestone to celebrate this July, and that is the 50th Anniversary of Nigeria’s Membership in OPEC.
“We commemorate this golden anniversary with a very special edition of the OPEC Bulletin, which provides us with a splendid walk down memory lane from July of 1971 when Nigeria joined OPEC to the present day. This collector’s edition will be a fitting tribute for a nation that has been so instrumental in OPEC’s rich history.
“Over the last five decades, OPEC and Nigeria have sown the seeds of friendship to build a highly fruitful and mutually beneficial relationship, forging strong ties that will last forever. Both the Nigeria at 50 special edition of the OPEC Bulletin and the 60th Anniversary Book chronicle and pay due tribute to this enduring partnership.
“Many leading figures in the Nigerian energy establishment have contributed greatly to its successful membership in OPEC. Over the past 50 years, Nigeria has had 23 petroleum ministers, 6 of whom have served as OPEC Conference Presidents, and four of whom served as Secretary General.
“The Conference presidents were: Shettima Ali Monguno, Mallam Yahaya Dikko, Dr. Rilwanu Lukman, Prof. Jibril Aminu, His Royal Highness, Dr. Edmund Daukoru and Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu. Of these, Dr. Lukman takes the record, having presided over 14 Ministerial Conferences! These presidents chaired 26 OPEC Ministerial Conferences around the world, including in Lagos, Abuja, Vienna, Geneva, Brioni, London, Osaka and Caracas.
“The four Nigerian Secretaries Generals, including myself, were: Chief M.O. Feyide, Dr. Lukman, who held the post twice, and His Royal Highness, Dr. Edmund Daukoru. They served a combined total of 15 years, which is 30 per cent of the time we have been a member of OPEC! This is testament to Nigeria’s role as a diplomatic force and consensus builder within the Organisation.
“It is also important to mention here that our current esteemed President, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, also served as Minister of Petroleum Resources from May 1976 until September of 1978, during which time he led Nigeria’s delegation to OPEC. He is currently the only President who has also served as an OPEC Minister.
“I invite you all to join us as we celebrate the countless contributions Nigeria has made to OPEC’s rich history over the last half-century,” he added.