Mele Kyari biography is a captivating tale of resilience, leadership, and transformative impact in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Born in Borno State, Mallam Mele Kyari has risen through the ranks, from a field geologist to becoming the 19th Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), later transitioning into its first Group Chief Executive Officer (Group CEO) following the corporation’s transition to NNPC Ltd.
Under his stewardship, NNPC GMD Kyari spearheaded groundbreaking reforms, championed transparency, and played a critical role in President Muhammadu Buhari’s and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s oil and gas policies. His tenure saw strategic partnerships, including collaborations with the Dangote Refinery, efforts to boost Nigeria’s refining capacity, and an unwavering commitment to energy security.
Dive into this in-depth Mele Kyari biography as we explore his journey from a site geologist to a leading figure in Nigeria’s energy sector. Discover his early days in North East Nigeria, his contributions as an exploration geophysicist, and his ascent to leadership, where he worked alongside industry heavyweights like Bayo Ojulari, Ahmadu Musa Kida, and Bello Rabiu.
Learn how his tenure shaped NNPC Ltd’s operations, his collaborations with figures like Abba Kyari, Bayo Onanuga, and Pius Akinyelure, and the leadership transition to Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari. Whether you’re an industry enthusiast, a policy analyst, or simply curious about Nigeria’s oil sector movers and shakers, this detailed account will leave you informed and inspired!
Mele Kyari Biography
Mele Kolo Kyari, born on January 8, 1965, in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, is a seasoned geologist and crude oil marketer with over thirty years of experience in the oil and gas industry. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and Earth Science from the University of Maiduguri in 1987.
Kyari began his professional journey as a field geologist with the Directorate of Foods, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI) during his time in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from 1987 to 1988. He then worked with the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency between 1988 and 1991. In 1992, he joined the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as a Processing Geophysicist with Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL).
Throughout his tenure at NNPC, Kyari held key positions, including Exploration Geophysicist at the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) in 1998 and later as Abuja Operations Manager of NAPIMS in 2004. In 2006, he was appointed Supervisor of the Production Sharing Contracts (PSC) at the Crude Oil Marketing Department (COMD), eventually becoming the General Manager of Crude Oil Stock Management in 2014. By 2015, he had risen to Group General Manager of COMD.
In May 2018, Kyari was appointed Nigeria’s National Representative to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The following year, on July 7, 2019, he assumed the role of the 19th Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC, succeeding Maikanti Baru.
During his leadership, Kyari initiated several reforms to enhance transparency and efficiency within NNPC. Notably, he oversaw the public disclosure of NNPC’s accounts for the first time in the corporation’s history. He also played a pivotal role in rehabilitating Nigeria’s refineries and promoting domestic gas utilization.
Kyari’s tenure as GMD concluded on April 2, 2025, when President Bola Tinubu dissolved the NNPC board and appointed Bashir Ojulari, a former Shell executive, as the new Group Chief Executive Officer.
In October 2022, Kyari was conferred with the national honor of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) in recognition of his contributions to the Nigerian oil and gas sector.
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Early Life and Background
Mallam Mele Kyari was born on January 8, 1965, in Borno State, Nigeria. He hails from the country’s Northeast region, a part known for its vast natural resources. Kyari pursued higher education at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Geology and Earth Science. His academic background laid the foundation for his successful career in Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
Mele Kyari Career
Mele Kyari began his professional journey as a Field Geologist with the Directorate of Foods, Roads, and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI) during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from 1987 to 1988. He then worked at the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency before joining NNPC Ltd in 1992 as a Processing Geophysicist at Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL).
Over the years, he climbed the corporate ladder, holding key positions such as Exploration Geophysicist at the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) in 1998 and General Manager at the Crude Oil Marketing Division (COMD) in 2014. His leadership at COMD was instrumental in implementing transparency in crude oil sales.
In 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Kyari as the 19th Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC Ltd, succeeding Maikanti Baru. His tenure was marked by unprecedented reforms, including NNPC Ltd’s commercialisation, increased gas infrastructure investments, and collaboration with Dangote Refinery.
In 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dissolved the NNPC board, replacing Kyari with Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the new NNPC Group CEO.
Mele Kyari Age
As of 2025, Mele Kyari is 60 years old. His decades of experience have made him one of the most respected figures in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Mele Kyari Wife
Mr. Kyari is a private individual in his personal life. While little is publicly known about his wife, she has played a supportive role throughout his career.
Mele Kyari Salary
As the Group Managing Director and later Group CEO of NNPC Ltd, Kyari earned a competitive salary in line with top executives in the petroleum sector. His earnings included bonuses and incentives linked to NNPC’s profitability and strategic initiatives.
Mele Kyari Family
Kyari’s family background remains largely private, though he is known to have strong family ties in Borno State.
Mele Kyari Net Worth
Mele Kyari’s net worth is estimated at several million dollars, which he has accumulated through his long-standing career in the petroleum industry. His wealth stems from his salaries, allowances, and investments in energy-related businesses, including potential affiliations with companies like Renaissance Africa Energy Company.
Mele Kyari State of Origin
Mele Kyari hails from Borno State, a state in the North-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
Mele Kyari Daughter
While information about Kyari’s daughter remains scarce, it is known that he values his family’s privacy.
Mele Kyari Religion
Kyari is a practicing Muslim, aligning with the dominant religious beliefs in Borno State and the North-East region of Nigeria.
Mele Kyari Children
Mele Kyari has children, but details about them remain undisclosed to the public.
Conclusion: Mele Kyari Biography
Mele Kyari biography showcases his journey from a Site Geologist to the NNPC GMD and Group CEO, solidifying his reputation as an industry leader. His tenure witnessed significant transformations, including transparency reforms, infrastructure expansion, and strategic partnerships with global oil firms. Despite stepping down in 2025, his impact on Nigeria’s oil and gas sector remains indelible. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring leaders in the energy sector.
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