Simbi Wabote's NCDMB Transformation: Nigerian Oil & Gas Content Growth 2016-2023 | Feature Article
- Lindsey Schlandt
- May 27
- 1 min read
BBNTIMES.COM — Simbi Wabote concluded his tenure as Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in December 2023, after seven years of transformative leadership. Under his guidance, Nigerian content in the oil and gas sector grew from 26% to 54%, with a clear roadmap in place to reach 70% by 2027. His term was marked by strategic infrastructure investments—including the Nigerian Content Tower and seven industrial parks—robust financial initiatives like the $500 million Nigerian Content Intervention Fund, and commercial partnerships spanning modular refineries and gas processing facilities.
Wabote also championed human capacity development, overseeing 15 million man-hours of training and placing thousands into employment. His background at Shell and expertise in engineering and corporate governance informed his efficient, reform-focused approach to regulation, earning NCDMB the top spot in Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business rankings. Upon handing over to Felix Omatsola Ogbe, he left behind a legacy of measurable impact and institutional growth that continues to shape the future of Nigeria’s energy industry.
