Yenagoa—The executive secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Sambi Kesiye Wabote has dismissed stories that the agency is under pressure by some stakeholders of the oil and gas industry to relocate its headquarters from yenagoa, Bayelsa state.
This was contained in a statement signed by the general manager corporate communication/zonal coordination of NCDMB, Engr. Ginah O. Ginah, which was obtained by Mangrovepen.ng.
The executive secretary in the statement admitted that though there have been disruptive protests and disturbances at the 17-story content tower, but said it is not a sufficient reason to yield to calls to relocate the headquarters.
Wabote noted that the Board recognizes the right of individuals and groups to express their feelings and genuine grievances.
He said the position of the management of the board to not yield to relocation calls of the headquarters is in line with the stipulations of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Development (NOGICD) Act that established the Board, which he said the Board would adhere to.
Wabote stated that the Board distances itself from such alleged relocation calls.
He, therefore, assured stakeholders that the Board would take pragmatic steps to put under control the spates of protests and disturbances while making efforts to create a healthy relationship with host communities.
There have been media reports that the NCDMB has been under pressure by development partners to relocate its head office from yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital.
Also, workers and operators have been working under a tense atmosphere in recent times, due to protests by locals, demanding the Board trains 1,000 youths from 850 communities.
