Mele Kolo Kyari, born on January 8, 1965, in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, stands as one of the most prominent figures in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. A geologist by training, Kyari’s career is a testament to decades of dedication and leadership within the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and beyond. His tenure as the Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC from 2019 to 2025, marked by bold reforms and significant strides in Nigeria’s oil production capacity, cemented his legacy as a key architect of the transformation of Nigeria’s oil sector.
Academic and Early Professional Journey
Kyari’s academic journey began at the University of Maiduguri, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Geology and Earth Science in 1987. His professional career in the oil industry commenced shortly after, with a formative stint as a Well Site Geologist with the Directorate of Foods, Roads, and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI) during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year between 1987 and 1988.
In 1991, Kyari took his first major step into the oil industry by joining the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as a Processing Geophysicist with Integrated Data Services Limited. His early career marked a focus on exploration and production geophysics, laying the foundation for what would become a distinguished career.
Rise Through the Ranks of NNPC
Kyari’s upward trajectory within NNPC was marked by a series of key roles that honed his expertise in Nigeria’s complex oil sector. In 1998, he took on the role of Exploration Geophysicist at the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), where his deep understanding of the industry’s technical and financial intricacies began to set him apart.
Kyari continued to rise through the ranks, taking on leadership positions that shaped NNPC’s policies and operations. By 2007, he was appointed head of Production Sharing Contracts Management in the Crude Oil Marketing Division (COMD), where he played a pivotal role in improving transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s crude oil sales.
In 2015, Kyari became the Group General Manager of COMD, a critical role where he worked to improve the sales process and enhance the country’s oil marketing framework. His leadership in this domain was instrumental in Nigeria’s efforts to better manage its oil resources and strengthen its place in the global oil market.
Leadership at OPEC and the International Stage
In May 2018, Kyari’s expertise was further recognized when he was appointed as Nigeria’s National Representative to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). His tenure at OPEC allowed him to represent Nigeria’s interests on the global stage, particularly as OPEC continued to navigate shifting dynamics in global oil supply and demand.
Tenure as NNPC GMD: Transforming the Oil Giant
Kyari’s most defining role came in July 2019, when he was appointed the 19th Group Managing Director of NNPC by President Muhammadu Buhari. This appointment marked the beginning of a period of transformation for NNPC. Under Kyari’s leadership, NNPC embraced an era of transparency and reform, with Kyari pushing for the corporation’s shift towards a more commercially viable structure.
Key to Kyari’s leadership was the emphasis on improving Nigeria’s oil production. Under his watch, Nigeria’s oil production, which had dwindled to below one million barrels per day in 2022, surged to meet its OPEC quota of 1.5 million barrels per day by early 2025. This achievement reflected Kyari’s ability to balance internal operational challenges with the demands of the international market.
Kyari also played a critical role in the rejuvenation of Nigeria’s refineries, spearheading efforts to revive two government-owned refineries. This initiative was aimed at reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products and boosting local refining capacity a move that has long been seen as vital for the country’s energy security.
Another significant achievement under Kyari’s leadership was overseeing the transformation of NNPC into a fully commercial entity, NNPC Limited, in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021. This transition aimed to enhance the corporation’s operational efficiency, attract investment, and improve its profitability, while also contributing to the broader economic stability of the nation.
Challenges and Legal Disputes
Despite his many accomplishments, Kyari’s tenure was not without challenges. One of the most pressing issues was the persistent problem of oil theft, which remained a major obstacle to Nigeria’s oil production levels and revenues. Large-scale thefts of crude oil not only led to substantial financial losses but also posed significant environmental risks.
Additionally, Kyari’s leadership faced debates over the extension of his tenure beyond the statutory retirement age, sparking legal and administrative challenges. These discussions added complexity to his legacy, especially as he navigated tensions between policy reform and governance challenges.
End of Tenure and Legacy
On April 2, 2025, President Bola Tinubu announced a reconstitution of NNPC’s board, which led to Kyari’s departure as GMD. He was succeeded by Bashir Bayo Ojulari, a former Shell executive, as part of efforts to streamline NNPC’s operations and enhance its competitiveness in a rapidly changing energy landscape.
Kyari’s legacy at NNPC is a mixed but impactful one. He is remembered for his dedication to transparency, his role in increasing Nigeria’s oil production, and his efforts to modernize NNPC into a more efficient and commercially-focused entity. While the challenges he faced were significant, Kyari’s reforms continue to shape the future trajectory of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria continues to evolve its energy landscape, Kyari’s tenure serves as a critical chapter in the ongoing journey of one of the world’s largest oil producers. His leadership and reforms have laid the groundwork for the next generation of oil industry leaders to build upon, as Nigeria seeks to position itself strategically in the global energy market
