This invention relates to highly active and stable catalyst composite used in high temperature synthesis gas production. More specifically, nickel alumina catalysts doped with noble metals and lanthanide groups or transition metal groups containing a lattice spinel structure with a general formula [NixA1-x][(ByAl1-y)2]O4. Stabilizers such as yttria-stabilized zirconia are also integrated in this composite to enhance high temperature catalytic performance. The catalyst composite of present invention exhibits high redox tolerance, coking resistance, high temperature stability, and high catalytic activity.