Ex-NNPC MD set to be named OPEC secretary-general

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is likely to choose Nigeria’s Mohammed Barkindo, a former head of state oil firm NNPC, as the next secretary-general of the producer group, three sources with knowledge of the matter said on Tuesday.

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

Barkindo led the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation from 2009 to 2010.

OPEC oil ministers meet on Thursday in Vienna. The consensus of all members – which in the past has sometimes been elusive – is required for the appointment of a new secretary-general

Government policies will strengthen naira, foreign reserves –DMO assures Nigerians

The Director General of the Debt Management Office, DMO, Dr. Abraham Nwankwo has assured that as the impact of federal government’s economy diversification plan begins to yield results, the naira and foreign exchange reserves will recover in the years ahead.

Nigeria Records Trade Gap in First Quarter as Oil Exports Drop

Nigeria recorded its first quarterly trade deficit in at least seven years in the three months through March as exports of crude oil dropped, adding to the nation’s economic distress.

100,000 Syrians trapped’ as IS advances near Turkish border

At least 100,000 people were trapped Friday along Syria’s border with Turkey after the Islamic State group swept through rebel territory in Aleppo province, rights groups and activists said.

The shock IS advance on two rebel-held towns came as the jihadist group is facing an offensive further east in its own heartland of Raqa province.