Timipre Sylva is a Nigerian politician and former Minister of State for Petroleum, known for leading Bayelsa State as governor and shaping Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
| Name | Timipre Marlin Sylva CON |
| Age | 61 years old (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | July 7, 1964 |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Ethnicity | Ijaw |
| State of Origin | Bayelsa State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Net Worth | $607 million |
Table of Contents
Timipre Sylva Biography
Chief Timipre Marlin Sylva CON, born July 7, 1964, is a well-known Nigerian politician, oil expert, and public administrator from Bayelsa State. He is best recognized for serving as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources from 2019 to 2023 and as the Governor of Bayelsa State from 2007 to 2012.
Sylva is respected for his deep knowledge of the petroleum industry and for helping to restore peace in the Niger Delta through his involvement in the Amnesty Programme.
He has also served in various government roles, including being the Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Board and President of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO).
Educational Background
Timipre Sylva attended Government Secondary School, Brass, for his early education.
He later proceeded to the University of Port Harcourt, where he graduated in 1986 with a distinction in English (Linguistics). He was the best graduating student and departmental valedictorian of his class.
In recognition of his academic excellence and public service, he has received two honorary doctorate degrees:
- Doctor of International Relations (Honoris Causa) from UBIS University, Geneva (2011)
- Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa) from the African Institute of Public Administration (2020).
Career
Sylva began his political career in 1992 when he was elected to represent Brass Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, making him the youngest legislator at the time.
He later served as the Special Assistant on Political Matters to the Governor of Bayelsa State in 2000 and as Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Edmund Daukoru, in 2004.
In 2007, he became the Governor of Bayelsa State under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Despite facing legal battles and election challenges, he was re-elected in 2008 and served until 2012, when his tenure was cut short by the Supreme Court.
Sylva’s political influence grew further when President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources on August 21, 2019.
During his tenure, he focused on:
- Expanding domestic refining capacity
- Supporting the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB)
- Promoting gas commercialization and local content
- Increasing crude oil production to 3 million barrels per day.
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Awards
In recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, President Muhammadu Buhari awarded him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in October 2022.
Controversy
Timipre Sylva’s career has not been without controversy.
In 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared him wanted over an alleged $14.85 million fraud related to the Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited project.
His spokesperson, Julius Bokoru, and rights activist Mahdi Shehu, both described the EFCC’s actions as politically motivated, claiming the allegations were part of a campaign to damage his reputation.
Before the corruption case, Sylva’s Abuja residence was also raided by soldiers over alleged involvement in a failed coup plot, which he publicly denied.
Despite these issues, Sylva has maintained his innocence and vowed to cooperate with lawful investigations after completing medical treatment abroad.
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Age
Timipre Sylva was born on July 7, 1964, which makes him 61 years old as of 2025.
Personal Life
Sylva is a man of great discipline and influence. He is known for his humility, love for community development, and mentorship to young Nigerians.
He often describes his leadership journey as a service to humanity and the nation.
Wife
Timipre Sylva is married to Her Excellency Amb. Mrs. Alanyingi Sylva, a respected entrepreneur, health coach, and humanitarian.
She is the former First Lady of Bayelsa State and the Chairperson of the Centre for Gender Values and Culture.
Alanyingi is also the founder of WHITE Development Initiative (Women Hub for Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurial Development), a Pan-African organization that empowers women in technology and business.
She has represented Nigeria at international forums, including the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) in 2024.
Her global recognition includes being named a Global Ambassador for the Gender Priority Strategy Movement and receiving the International Eminent Peace Ambassador Award from the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA).
Children
Chief Timipre Sylva and his wife, Alanyingi, are blessed with three children: Taria, Timipre Jr., and Pagabio Sylva.
The family is known for their close bond and commitment to education and community service.
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Parents
Timipre Sylva was born to Mr. and Mrs. Sylva of Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
He has often credited his upbringing and moral values to them.
Net Worth
Timipre Sylva’s estimated net worth is around $607 million. His wealth comes from his long career in politics, public service, and his influence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Social Media Handles
Timipre maintains an active presence on social media where he shares updates on politics, development, and the oil sector:
- X (Twitter): @HETimipreSylva
- Facebook: Timipre Marlin Sylva
- Instagram: @hetimipresylva.
