The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will on July 12 mark the 50th anniversary of Nigeria’s membership of the body.
OPEC’s Secretary-General, Dr. Mohammad Barkindo, who disclosed this in a statement said Nigeria, officially became the 11th member of OPEC on July 12, 1971.
He said that day has been of historic importance for Nigeria and OPEC.
To commemorate this landmark date, the OPEC Secretariat has pieced together a special OPEC Bulletin which will look at the history of Nigeria’s relationship with OPEC, including the many giants of Nigerian public service, who have been responsible for the successful five-decade relationship that has evolved with OPEC,he said
He added:“We will interview high-level figures and examine and explore other topical issues surrounding Nigeria.”
Barkindo said that the focal interview would be with President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he described as an OPEC veteran for over 40 years.
He said Buhari has been heavily involved in the organisation’s affairs.
According to him: “OPEC has been fortunate to benefit from the talent, wisdom and extraordinary capabilities of generations of Nigerian public servants. They have been integral to what the organisation has achieved.
“Over the course of the five decades of OPEC Membership, Nigeria has been a constructive partner, seeking consensus and always encouraging compromise. The special OPEC Bulletin highlights all these.
“The unique relationship between OPEC and Nigeria has been mutually beneficial and laden with a plethora of successes.
“The golden anniversary of Nigeria’s membership is indeed a cause for celebration.
“I very much hope that all Nigerians will celebrate with us, not only reflecting on the past but also considering how we can build a more prosperous future together.”
