A pivotal figure in the global oil sector, he served as secretary general of OPEC since August 2016.

Mr Barkindo was an Honorary Professor at the University of Dundee and keynote speaker at the Dundee Energy Forum in 2019.

Professor Peter Cameron, of the University’s Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law & Policy, said, “We are saddened by the news that Mohammed Barkindo, Secretary General of OPEC, has passed away suddenly.

“The University awarded an honorary professorship to Dr Barkindo for his leadership of education in his home country, Nigeria, and his leading role in several COP meetings on climate change. As a forward-thinker, he was committed to leveraging his OPEC role to prepare developing countries for the challenges they face in the transition beyond fossil fuels. He was an inspiration to our students.”