The addition of niobia to nickel/alumina catalysts was evaluated for methane steam reforming, correlating with structural, textural and acid/base properties. The catalysts containing 5-10 wt% Nb2O5 presented higher methane conversion at 800 A degrees C and did not deactivate during 24 h on stream, while coke formation was inhibited on the catalyst with 20 wt% Nb2O5. [GRAPHICS] .