By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has appointed Mr. Haitham Al Ghais of Kuwait as its new Secretary General Designate.
The incumbent Secretary Gen general, Mr. Muhammed Barkindo of Nigeria announced this while congratulating Al Ghais.
Al Ghais, was the current Deputy Managing Director, International Marketing, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC).
In a letter dated Jan. 3 released in Lagos, Barkindo says ” I am very pleased to extend to you my warmest congratulations on your recent appointment as OPEC Secretary General-designate, with your tenure effective as of Aug. 1, 2022.
“It is fully deserved and recognition of your positive standing within the OPEC community as a committed, knowledgeable and able technocrat who can lead the Organisation in the years to come.
‘’My tenure has helped to bring together the ‘Declaration of Cooperation’, the ‘Charter of Cooperation’, and navigate the organisation past the impacts of the industry downturn of 2014-2016.
“With your appointment, this vital International Organisation for our Member Countries, as well as the global oil market, is in very capable hands.
“From my time working collaboratively with you as Kuwait’s OPEC Governor, I know you have a great understanding of the organs and internal workings of the organisation.
“This will stand you in good stead and will be a great knowledge platform for when you assume the secretary general’s responsibilities.”
Mr. Barkindo noted that it had been the honour of a lifetime to lead OPEC since August 2016.
He said that the tenure also tackled the massive repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
