Speaking when he paid a courtesy visit to the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the NNPC, Mr Funso Kupolokun in Abuja at the weekend, the governor said that the proposed tourist haven would come on stream as soon as investors made reasonable commitment.
``We have not gotten to the point of costing the project. We are looking for buy-ins from the oil and gas companies. A few more things will bring the city into being,'' Sylva said.
He solicited for the intervention of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture operations in the development of the planned city, and expressed the hope that the partnership activities would step up to 40 per cent ``when Agbami comes on stream''.
He said that his administration was working to ensure the “engagement, employment and empowerment of Bayelsa people'' and the development of the Niger Delta.
Sylva urged the NNPC management to re-examine the operation of the local content support fund to make it possible for small indigenous contractors to access the fund to execute projects in the oil and gas industry.
“The fund cannot be accessed because of huge bureaucracy. Come and enlighten us on how it works”.
“Count on Bayelsa, count on me at any time. If you need support and services, we will be there for you,'' he said.
The governor called for increased NNPC presence in the state, saying, ``If you do well in Bayelsa, I shall hit the streets in celebration.
``It will be huge public relations. The NNPC/Chevron is the best that you ever got in Nigeria. I challenge you to come to Bayelsa to assist us.''
Kupolokun, in a remark, attributed the delay in the execution of some projects in Bayelsa to the state government and security situation.
``Sort it out and we will be there without delay,'' he said, adding that contractors were not comfortable with the security in the area even with their efforts to return to site last week.
The GMD said he was satisfied with the way the governor had enunciated his policy direction, adding, ``when you have a man who understands his left and right, things work out well.''
``You are already using your position to impact positively on the relationship between the industry and Niger Delta communities,'' Kupolokun said, adding that the region deserved special attention to accelerate its development.
He recalled President Umaru Yar'Adua's prompt attention to the region and said that NNPC was ready to liaise with other stakeholders to ``join forces and assist in realising these development needs.''
Kupolokun said that the yearnings for employment and development of infrastructure were not the only causes of militancy in the Niger delta.
``Sheer criminality by the youth as evidenced by hostage taking, demand for ransom and destruction of oil and gas infrastructure, also feeds the militancy.
``Knowing so well the workings of the industry and the expectations of the communities, you are an asset to both sides.
``We trust that we can always count on you to help in the process of retraining the youth in the area,'' the GMD said.
Kupolokun tasked the governor to encourage Bayelsa people to participate fully in the Nigerian Content Initiative.