Mele Kyari: What He’s Doing for Nigeria’s Oil and Energy
If you follow African energy news, you’ve probably heard the name Mele Kyari. He’s the guy in charge of Nigeria’s petroleum sector, and his decisions ripple across the continent. In this article we break down his latest moves, why they matter, and what they could mean for everyday people.
Why Mele Kyari Matters
Kyari took over the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in 2021. Since then he’s pushed for higher oil production, tried to attract more foreign investment, and talked a lot about diversifying the energy mix. The goal? Turn Nigeria’s oil wealth into steady revenue while keeping the power grid stable. That’s a big ask, especially when the country faces power cuts, youth unemployment, and climate pressure.
One of his early actions was to tighten rules for offshore drilling companies. He said a clear, predictable framework would bring in more money and jobs. The policy has already led to a few new contracts, and investors say they like the transparency.
Recent Headlines Involving Kyary
In the past months Kyari has been vocal about the need for “energy security.” He warned that if Nigeria doesn’t upgrade its grid, the country could lose more oil revenue to black‑outs and illegal connections. His comments sparked a debate with Eskom, South Africa’s utility, which recently outlawed unregistered grid‑tied solar systems. Both ministries are now looking at ways to protect the grid while still encouraging renewable projects.
Kyari also weighed in on the funeral of former President Buhari. He said the nation should remember the stability that Buhari tried to bring to the oil sector, even as critics point out the need for reforms. The statement showed Kyari’s political savvy – he links the current ministry’s work to past leadership to build trust.
Another hot topic is the rising tension over oil prices. Kyari told the press that Nigeria will keep its production steady, even if global prices swing. He believes a consistent output helps the economy more than chasing short‑term gains.
Critics argue that the ministry should focus more on renewable energy. Kyari replied that oil will still fund the transition for years to come. He pointed to a new partnership with a German firm to develop hydrogen projects, showing he’s not ignoring the future.
On the ground, Nigerians are feeling the impact. Power outages have dropped slightly in Lagos after Kyari’s push for quicker meter upgrades. Small businesses report lower electricity costs, and that translates to lower prices for customers.
Internationally, Kyari’s name pops up in talks about OPEC+ decisions. He’s part of the delegation that negotiated production cuts last year. While some see those cuts as hurting revenue, Kyari argues they help stabilize global markets and protect long‑term prices.
The big takeaway? Mele Kyari is trying to balance three things: keep oil flowing, improve the power grid, and start a clean‑energy shift. It’s a juggling act, and not everyone is happy, but his policies are shaping Nigeria’s economic outlook.
If you want to follow his moves, keep an eye on the Ministry’s press releases, the Energy Minister’s social media updates, and major African news outlets like BassaNova. They’ll give you the quickest snapshot of what Kyari is doing next.
