Nigeria’s gas opportunity: Why Simbi Wabote sees 203 trillion cubic feet as the path forward | Feature Article
- Lindsey Schlandt
- Oct 1
- 1 min read
LONDONLOVESBUSINESS.COM — Simbi Wabote, as head of Nigeria’s Content Development and Monitoring Board (2016–2023), championed natural gas as the country’s greatest untapped opportunity. Despite holding over 200 trillion cubic feet of proven reserves, nearly 60% of Nigerians still lack reliable electricity. Wabote argued that gas, not oil, should anchor Nigeria’s energy future, pointing to its cleaner profile, long-term reserves, and potential for power generation, industry, and LPG use. Under his leadership, NCDMB invested in gas plants, LPG terminals, methanol production, and cylinder manufacturing, creating infrastructure to reduce imports and expand domestic access.
He positioned gas as a “bridge fuel” aligned with global energy transitions, capable of replacing dirtier hydrocarbons while supporting industrial growth. Nigeria’s proximity to Europe and regional markets adds export potential, but infrastructure gaps, financing challenges, and security risks remain major hurdles. Wabote’s legacy reframed Nigeria’s energy debate: gas development could simultaneously solve chronic power shortages and drive industrial diversification—if the country builds the systems and capacity to seize the opportunity.
