FG appoints NNPC GGM as OPEC representative

The Federal Government has appointed the Group General Manger of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, in charge of Crude Oil Marketing Division, Mallam Mele Kyari, as the country’s representative to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

According to a statement by NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ndu Ughamadu, the appointment was made by Nigeria’s Head of Delegation to the OPEC Conference and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Board Chairman of NNPC, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu. Ughamadu noted that the position required Mallam Kyari to lead Nigeria’s team to the OPEC Economic Commission Board which precedes the bi-annual meetings of the OPEC Ministerial conference. According to Ughamadu, the ECB reviews the global oil markets and makes input from the perspectives of the individual member countries.

The statement also revealed that Kyari may also 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. Ughamadu, speaking of Kyari, said: “A geologist, Mallam Kyari is a quintessential crude oil marketer with prerequisite certification and outfield pedigree in petroleum economics and crude oil and gas trading.

“Within the last 26 years he has traversed the entire value chain of the petroleum industry posting resounding performance in all his assignments and duty posts. “Under his watch, the Crude Oil Marketing Division 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.”