Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and Governor Siminalayi Fubara have inaugurated a state-of-the-art Specialty Protective Coatings and Paints Manufacturing Plant built by an indigenous company, ‘Solewant Group’ in Rivers State.
This is as Lokpobiri described the investment as a milestone in Nigeria’s industrialisation drive and local content development.
The facility, located in Alode community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, was commissioned on Friday.
Speaking at the ceremony,
Lokpobiri said the new plant demonstrates the rapid growth of indigenous oil and gas service companies and positions Solewant as a strategic manufacturing hub for Africa.
Lokpobiri stated, “This is clear evidence of the growth that local service providers in Nigeria have developed over the past 15 years.
“I’m very happy today that I had the privilege to witness this plant that will not just service Nigeria, but will service the entire African continent.”
He praised the company’s expansion into Namibia, saying it marked the beginning of broader opportunities for Nigerian companies across Africa’s energy sector.
“We are fully committed to supporting companies like Solewant Group. That is the only way we can grow this industry.
“The solution to Nigeria’s energy problem lies with Nigerians. Nobody will come from anywhere to solve our problems in Africa,” the Minister said.
He noted that the Solewart’s new manufacturing capability would help address one of Nigeria’s biggest oil production challenges by providing locally manufactured protective coating solutions for ageing pipelines.
According to him, “Our pipes are completely corroded, and we need solutions like Solewant is providing to address that problem. What you have done here is a Nigerian solution to the Nigerian problem.”
Speaking, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara commended the company for choosing Rivers State as its industrial base.
Fubara, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Sunny Ewuhle, reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to creating a conducive environment for corporate organisations operating in the state in order to enhance business growth, job creation and sustainable development.
Fubara stated, “I thank the board, management and staff of Solewant and Specialty Protective Coatings and Paints Limited for choosing Rivers State as your industrial hub for citing this gigantic state-of-the-art paint manufacturing plant.
“It is a testament that Rivers State is peaceful and safe for investments. The government and the good people of Rivers State are indeed very happy for this remarkable project.”
“We, as government, are calling on all local and foreign investors to emulate what the Solewant Group has done in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government is willing and ready to partner with your conglomerate in the area of manufacturing, sustainable development, local content development and industrial growth in the state.”
“This partnership would not only expand business activities in the State but also create job opportunities for our teaming youths. It will also increase the revenue base of the state, which will in turn increase rapid socioeconomic development in our state,” the governor added.
“We are calling on all local and foreign investors to emulate what Solewant Group has done in Rivers State,” he said.
Speaking earlier, Solewant Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Solomon Ewanehi, said the innovation was driven by the vision of ending Nigeria’s dependence on imported industrial coatings while building globally competitive manufacturing capacity.
“Today we are not just launching the Solewant Coating Manufacturing Plant. We are launching confidence; confidence that Nigeria has the competence, the capacity and the courage to manufacture not just what we consume but also what we can export to compete with international standards,” Ewanehi stated.
He explained that the company unveiled 11 enhanced coating products under the ‘Solguard and Novaguard’ brands, developed and manufactured in Nigeria for the oil and gas, marine, infrastructure and industrial sectors.
“Sixteen years ago, we asked a simple question: Why should Nigeria, a leading oil and gas nation, continue to import the very coatings that protect our critical assets?” Today, that vision has become steel, concrete, plant and people.”
According to him, the products were designed to deliver world-class corrosion protection for pipelines, offshore platforms, refineries, storage tanks, bridges, power plants and other critical infrastructure operating in harsh environments.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, represented by his Special Adviser on Technical Matters, Prof. Bolaji Babatunde, described the project as “a powerful statement of confidence in Nigeria” and applauded Solewant for expanding local manufacturing despite ongoing economic reforms.
“Your decision to expand manufacturing capability, develop technology and create value within Nigeria is a commendable example of the kind of private sector leadership that the Federal Government seeks to encourage,” he said.
Namibia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E. Walde Natangwe Ndavishiya, described the investment as timely, saying Solewant was well positioned to support Namibia’s emerging oil and gas industry.
“I particularly commend Solewant Group for taking the bold step of establishing a branch office in Namibia. This demonstrates confidence in Namibia and its emerging opportunities,” he said.
Also speaking, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, represented by Director Silas Ajimijaye, said the project reflects the Board’s commitment to industrialisation, value addition and in-country capacity development.
“This facility represents jobs for our people, skills transfer and value addition in our own country. It is a clear demonstration of our commitment to local content advancement in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he said.
For his part, the Managing Director, SSPC & Paints, Solewant Group, Mr. Matthew Aganren, commended the Federal Government for its consistent support for local content initiatives, saying the policy had continued to stimulate indigenous manufacturing and strengthen the Nigerian economy.
He expressed optimism that the new Specialty Protective Coatings and Paints Manufacturing Plant would create employment opportunities, deepen technical skills development, and position Nigeria as a competitive player in the African protective coatings market.
“The Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to local content has created the enabling environment for indigenous companies like ours to invest in world-class manufacturing. This plant will not only create jobs and develop local expertise but will also position Nigeria to compete favourably in the African coatings market,” he said.
