Mele Kolo Kyari, OFR (born January 8, 1965), is a distinguished Nigerian geologist and oil executive. He is widely recognized for his role as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited) from 2019 to 2025. Additionally, he serves as Nigeria’s National Representative to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Profile Summary
| Name: | Mele Kolo Kyari |
| Date of Birth | January 8, 1965 |
| State of Origin | Borno State |
| Education | BSc, University of Maiduguri |
| Career | Geologist, GCEO NNPC Limited, OPEC Representative |
| Family | Married; children include Muhammad and Sadiya (late Fatima) |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $760 million (unconfirmed) |
| Awards | OFR, NNPC profit milestone, sector reforms |
Early Life and Education
Born in Maiduguri, Borno State, Mele Kyari is the son of Bulama Idris Kyari and Hajiya Fatima Mohammed.
He began his education at a Tsangaya (Quranic) school before attending Government Community Secondary School in Biu between 1977 and 1982. He later graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and Earth Science from the University of Maiduguri in 1987.
Career
Kyari commenced his career in 1991 as a Field Geologist with the Department of Geological Survey of Nigeria. That same year, he joined NNPC as a Processing Geophysicist and progressively advanced through various positions.
His notable roles include Exploration Geophysicist at NAPIMS (1998), Head of Production Sharing Contracts Management (2007), and General Manager of Crude Oil Stock Management (2014).
In 2015, he was appointed Group General Manager of the Crude Oil Marketing Division, and in 2018, he became Nigeria’s National Representative to OPEC.
In July 2019, Kyari was named the 19th Group Managing Director (later GCEO) of NNPC, where he spearheaded major reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency within the Nigerian oil industry.
Personal Life
Mele Kyari is married, though details about his wife remain private. He is a father to children including Muhammad and Sadiya. He hails from Maiduguri in Borno State and is of Hausa ethnicity.
A devout Muslim, Kyari has also endured personal loss, including the passing of his daughter Fatima at the age of 25.
Mele Kyari Net Worth
While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, some estimates place Mele Kyari’s net worth at approximately $760 million as of 2024, reflecting his extensive and influential career in Nigeria’s oil sector.
Awards
Kyari has been honored with the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) in recognition of his significant contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. Under his leadership, NNPC achieved its first-ever profit declaration and implemented key reforms to promote transparency and operational efficiency.
