Continental Focus, International Reach

Nigeria Loses an Industry Icon

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Nigeria’s Ministry of Petroleum Resources has expressed its condolences to the family of Dr. Rilwanu Lukman following his passing at the age of 75. Dr. Lukman died in the early hours of July 21, at his residence in Vienna, Austria following a brief illness.

During a career spanning five decades, where he tirelessly represented Nigeria’s interests on the international stage, Lukman held the roles of Minister of Mines, Power and Steel (1984 to 1985); Minister of Petroleum Resources (1986 to 1990, 2008 to 2010); Minister of Foreign Affairs (1990); Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Electric Power Authority (1993 to 1994) and; Presidential Adviser on Petroleum and Energy Matters to the Federal Government of Nigeria; and Chairman of NNPC (2000 to 2003).

Lukman also acted as President of OPEC three times between 1986 and 2002, and as secretary-general between 1995 and 2000.

Diezani Alison-Madueke, the Minister of Petroleum Resources for Nigeria and Alternate President of the OPEC Conference, commented: “I am extremely sad to hear of Dr. Lukman’s passing and express my sincere condolences to his family.

“Dr. Lukman was an incredible ambassador for Nigeria, and his efforts to reform the country’s hydrocarbon sector played a key role in its development.

“It was a privilege to have had him as a mentor.”

 


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