OPEC Chief Reveals His Biggest Fear and Favorite Lunch Spot

(Bloomberg Markets) -- The secretary general of OPEC since 2016 had years of experience in Nigeria's government and petroleum industry. Here Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo divulges some of his off-duty habits and preferences to Bloomberg TV's Francine Lacqua, co-anchor of Bloomberg Surveillance and host of Leaders With Lacqua.

How many hours of sleep do you get a night?

Normally between seven and eight.

What time do you set your alarm to wake up?

For 6 a.m. to pray al-Fajr.

Are you a morning or evening person?

Evening.

Do you have an essential morning ritual?

My prayers. And a glass of water.

What's your typical workout?

It is more a mental workout for me.

What's your favorite sport or sports team?

Football. The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles.

Which app is in heavy rotation on your phone?

WhatsApp.

What's your go-to lunch spot?

Le Couscous in Vienna.

Who is your favorite author?

I have always loved reading Shakespeare. And the great poet and scholar Rumi.

What's your favorite place to go on vacation?

It has to be returning to my home city of Yola. It's where I can see family, relax, recharge, and reconnect with my roots.

What living or historical person do you truly admire?

Dr. Rilwanu Lukman, the former OPEC secretary general. The most decent person I have ever met.

If you had to take a year off, what would you do?

I think I would go back to university. To research and write.

What is your biggest fear?

The breakdown of international institutions and the global order.

If you were 20, what business would you get into?

It would be the oil and gas sector, with a focus on technologies that can help reduce emissions.

Do you ever expect to retire?

Yes, but to return to academia.

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Christine Harper at charper@bloomberg.net

©2019 Bloomberg L.P.