The Federal Government has expressed optimism that Nigeria’s energy challenges can be addressed through increased investment by indigenous companies, throwing its weight behind Solewant Group’s latest manufacturing venture as a catalyst for industrial growth and energy security.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Solewant Specialty Protective Coatings and Paints Manufacturing Plant in Eleme, Rivers State, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, said Nigeria’s energy future rests on the capacity of local firms rather than foreign companies, describing Solewant as a model of the country’s industrial transformation.

Lokpobiri said the facility would not only serve Nigeria, but also the African continent, reflecting the remarkable progress of indigenous oil and gas service companies since the enactment of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act.

“This is clear evidence of the growth that local service providers in Nigeria have developed over the past 15 years,” he said. “I am delighted to witness the commissioning of a plant that will not only service Nigeria but the entire African continent.”

The minister also commended Solewant’s expansion into Namibia, describing it as the beginning of a broader African footprint for Nigerian energy companies.

“I am happy that you are already in Namibia, and I want to assure you that this is only the beginning of what we can do to tackle energy poverty across Africa,” he said.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s support for indigenous manufacturers, Lokpobiri said local companies remain central to addressing Nigeria’s energy needs.

“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 or fix the challenges in Nigeria’s energy sector,” he said.

According to him, the new facility comes at a critical period when ageing oil pipelines have become a major constraint to increasing crude oil production.

Group Chief Executive Officer of Solewant Group, Mr. Solomon Ewanehi, described the commissioning as the fulfilment of a long-term vision to establish world-class manufacturing capacity in Nigeria.

“Today, we are not just launching the Solewant Coating Manufacturing Plant. We are launching confidence that Nigeria has the competence, the capacity and the courage to manufacture not only what we consume, but also what we can export to compete with global standards,” he said.

He said the industrial complex, which occupies about 156,000 square metres, houses Africa’s largest automated pipe coating facility, steel pipe manufacturing and fabrication plants, advanced laboratories, as well as the newly commissioned paints manufacturing plant.

Ewanehi said the investment was driven by the determination to end Nigeria’s dependence on imported industrial coatings.

“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,” Ewanehi said.

The company also unveiled 11 enhanced coating products under the Solguard and Novaguard brands for use across the oil and gas, marine, infrastructure and industrial sectors.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, described the investment as “a powerful statement of confidence in Nigeria.”

Represented by his Special Assistant on Technical Matters, Prof. Bolaji Babatunde, he commended Solewant’s leadership for expanding its manufacturing capacity despite ongoing economic reforms.

“Your decision to expand manufacturing capability, develop technology and create value within Nigeria exemplifies the kind of private sector leadership the Federal Government seeks to encourage,” he said.

He noted that every litre of protective coating produced locally conserves foreign exchange, strengthens domestic supply chains and advances Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, said the investment reinforces Rivers State’s position as a preferred destination for investment.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Sunny Ewuhle, the governor called on local and foreign investors to emulate Solewant’s commitment to manufacturing and local content development, assuring them of the state’s readiness to partner with investors to drive industrial growth.

Namibia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Walden Natangwe Ndevashiya, said Solewant is strategically positioned to participate in Namibia’s emerging petroleum industry following recent offshore discoveries.

“As Namibia enters this new phase, we recognise that we have much to learn from Nigeria,” he said. “I commend Solewant Group for establishing a branch office in Namibia. It demonstrates confidence in Namibia and the opportunities emerging in our energy sector.”

Former Chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Emeka Ene, described the project as evidence that Nigerian companies can compete globally.

“Solewant has demonstrated that Nigerian entrepreneurs, technicians and engineers can deliver world-class products. PETAN is proud of this achievement,” he said.

Director of Capacity Building at the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Silas Ajimijaye, said the project aligns with the board’s mandate to deepen local content.

“This facility represents jobs, skills transfer and value addition within Nigeria. It is a clear demonstration of our commitment to industrialisation and local content development,” he said.