The catalytic partial oxidation of CH4 to syngas was carried out over an Ni-Mg/Al mixed-oxide catalyst prepared from layered double hydroxide-type precursors. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, TPR, UV-DRS, XRF, BET and CHNS analysis. The effects of the catalyst composition and the calcination temperature on the catalytic performance and the extent of catalyst deactivation were investigated. Ni-Mg/Al oxide catalysts converted CH4 into syngas efficiently with high selectivity. The catalyst performance was strongly related to the Ni particle size and the calcination temperature. The catalysts that were calcined at higher temperature exhibited a better catalytic performance. In conclusion, the NiAl2O4 spinel phase had a positive effect on the stability of the catalyst.