About Simbi Wabote
From engineering projects to national policy, Simbi Wabote’s career reflects a deep commitment to building systems that strengthen Nigeria from within. His work spans decades of leadership in infrastructure, energy, and institutional development — always rooted in the belief that sustainable growth starts with local capacity.
Key Areas of Impact
INSTITUTIONAL
REFORM
As Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Simbi Wabote led the development of the Board’s first 10-Year Strategic Roadmap and successfully implemented over 70 national initiatives. His tenure saw the completion of the Nigerian Content Tower and the launch of industrial parks across key oil-producing states.
LOCAL CONTENT LEADERSHIP
Under his leadership, Nigeria’s local content performance in the oil and gas sector rose to 54% — surpassing benchmarks and positioning the country as a continental leader. He reframed local content as a long-term industrial strategy, rather than a regulatory obligation.
POLICY & GOVERNANCE INNOVATION
Wabote introduced industry-first Service Level Agreements, streamlined regulatory processes, and ensured full compliance with TSA and NEITI transparency standards — making NCDMB the top-ranked government agency for ease of doing business in 2022.
Professional Biography
Engr. (Dr.) Simbi Kesiye Wabote is an accomplished engineer and public servant who has dedicated his career to transforming Nigeria's energy sector. As Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) from November 2016 to December 2023, he led the organization to become Nigeria's highest-ranked government agency for ease of doing business.
Born in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, Simbi began his professional journey with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Rivers State University of Science and Technology. He later earned a Master's degree in Corporate Governance from Leeds Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom and enhanced his leadership capabilities through programs at INSEAD and Harvard University.
His three-decade career includes 26 years with Shell, where he rose to Executive Board member of Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria Limited. As Shell's Global Local Content Strategist based in Dubai, he developed strategies for operations across the Middle East, America, Asia, and Africa.
At NCDMB, Simbi championed the "domiciliation and domestication" approach to Nigerian Content, moving beyond mere "Nigerianisation" to create sustainable value within Nigeria. His 10-Year Strategic Roadmap increased Nigerian Content levels from 26% to 54%, enabling approximately 198,000 jobs across the sector.
Key achievements include establishing the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund, which provided over $350 million in financing for Nigerian companies at single-digit interest rates; spearheading the construction of the 17-story Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa; and developing the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme (NOGAPS) across seven states.
A Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and member of the Institute of Civil Engineers London, Simbi balances his professional life with interests in golfing, reading, swimming, and watching soccer.