Simbi Wabote and The Burden of Leadership | Feature Article

AFRICANLEADERSHIPMAGAZINE.CO.UK — Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), was spotlighted by African Leadership Magazine for his transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to local content development in Africa. In a keynote speech at the first African Local Content Roundtable—his own initiative—Wabote emphasized the need for continental collaboration to replicate Nigeria’s success in domesticating oil and gas industry value.

Under his guidance, Nigerian content rose from under 5% to over 35%, with a strategic roadmap targeting 70% by 2027. Wabote’s tenure has enabled over $8 billion in annual in-country value retention, facilitated indigenous participation in more than 80% of oil sector contracts, and launched catalytic initiatives like modular refineries, the NLNG Train 7 project, and the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair.

Despite facing public attacks—including a defamation lawsuit he pursued in U.S. courts—Wabote remains undeterred, pushing forward with investments in manufacturing, capacity development, R&D, and regional partnerships. With global recognition, including the African Local Content Icon Award, Wabote is seen as a leading voice for sustainable industrialization through policy, equity participation, and infrastructure development. His story is a testament to the power of focused leadership in reshaping Africa’s economic narrative.

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