Mele Kyari: A Visionary leader who transformed Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry

Mele Kolo Kyari, a seasoned geologist and public servant, has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Born on January 8, 1965, in Maiduguri, Borno State, Kyari rose through the ranks of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to become its Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) from July 2019 to April 2025. His tenure was characterized by transparency, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of profitability.

Early Life and Education
Kyari earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and Earth Science from the University of Maiduguri in 1987. He began his career as a Field Geologist with the Directorate of Foods, Roads, and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI) before joining the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency in 1988. His journey into the oil sector began in 1991 when he joined NNPC’s Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL).

Career Milestones
Kyari’s career at NNPC spanned over three decades, during which he held several key positions:
• Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division (2015–2019): He managed Nigeria’s crude oil sales and represented the country at the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) starting in 2018.
• Group Managing Director/Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC (2019–2025): Appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari, Kyari launched the Transparency, Accountability, and Performance Excellence (TAPE) agenda to reform NNPC’s operations.

Achievements as GCEO
Kyari’s leadership transformed NNPC from a loss-making entity into a commercially viable corporation:
1. First Audited Financial Statements: Under his leadership, NNPC published its first audited financial statements in 43 years in 2020.
2. Profitability Milestone: The company declared its first profit of ₦287 billion in 2020, followed by ₦674 billion in 2021.
3. Transition to NNPC Limited: Following the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021, Kyari oversaw the transformation of NNPC into a limited liability company, enhancing its operational efficiency and access to global capital markets.

Leadership Style
Kyari is celebrated for his humility and dedication to accountability. His TAPE agenda emphasized good governance and transparency, earning him praise from industry stakeholders. He also prioritized staff welfare and capacity building within NNPC.

Awards and Recognition
• Order of the Federal Republic (OFR): Conferred by President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2022.
• Outstanding Employer of the Year Award (2022): Presented by the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.
Legacy
Kyari’s tenure at NNPC is widely regarded as transformative. His efforts to open up NNPC’s operations and ensure profitability have set a benchmark for leadership in Nigeria’s oil sector. Despite stepping down as GCEO on April 2, 2025, his impact continues to resonate within the industry.

Mele Kyari’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to national development—a true testament to what visionary leadership can achieve