Mohammed Barkindo

Nigeria has nominated Mohammed Barkindo, a former head of  NNPC, as the next secretary general of producer group OPEC, a government official said on Thursday.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries has been looking for a replacement for Abdullah al-Badri, who was elected acting secretary general in December until the end of July after serving full terms.

“We are putting Barkindo forward for the job of OPEC secretary general because he has the required qualification and experience,” a government official said, asking not to be named.

He led the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation from 2009 to 2010. Barkindo had previously served in OPEC as assistant Secretary – general and cut a name as  veteran climate negotiator.

He attended Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria. He is also the Wali of Adamawa.

Bloomberg News first reported the Nigerian proposal on its website.