Solewant Launches World Class Coatings Plant, Secures FG Backing For African Expansion

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PORT HARCOURT – Solewant Group has launched a world class Specialty Protective Coatings and Paints Manufacturing Plant and unveiled 11 industrial coating solutions, securing the backing of the Federal Government as it positions itself to serve the African energy market through expanded local manufacturing and regional growth.

The Federal Government described the investment of the conglomerate as a major milestone in Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda and local content development, saying the facility underscores the growing capacity of indigenous companies to compete globally.

Commissioning the facility in Alode, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, said the plant reflects the remarkable progress recorded by indigenous oil and gas service companies over the past 15 years and positions Solewant as a strategic manufacturing hub for the African continent.

Lokpobiri said, “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.”

Lokpobiri also hailed Solewant’s expansion into Namibia, describing it as a significant step towards opening up new 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,” he said.

The minister added that the company’s manufacturing capability would help tackle one of the country’s major oil production challenges by providing locally produced protective coating solutions for ageing pipelines.

“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 at the event, Solewant Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Solomon Ewanehi, said the investment was driven by the company’s vision to end Nigeria’s dependence on imported industrial coatings while building globally competitive manufacturing capacity.

He said the company launched 11 enhanced coating products under the Solguard and Novaguard brands for the oil and gas, marine, infrastructure and industrial sectors, noting that the facility would strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing base while supporting the company’s expansion across Africa.

Reflecting on the company’s journey, Ewanehi said, “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.

“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,” he added.

Ewanehi emphasised that the products are designed to provide 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 investment as “a powerful statement of confidence in Nigeria” and commended Solewant for expanding local manufacturing despite ongoing economic reforms.

He said, “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.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, represented by his Chief of Staff, Barr. Sunny Ewhule, also applauded the company for choosing Rivers State as its manufacturing base, reaffirming the state’s commitment to industrial growth.

“We are calling on all local and foreign investors to emulate what Solewant Group has done in Rivers State,” he said.

Namibia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Walde Natangwe Ndavishiya, described the investment as timely, saying Solewant’s presence in Namibia would support the country’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.

Former Chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, Mr. Emeka Ene, said the facility demonstrated that Nigerian entrepreneurs, engineers and technicians have the capacity to compete globally.

“Solewant has demonstrated that Nigerian entrepreneurs, technicians and engineers can deliver world-class products at the highest level.”

Representing the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Director Silas Ajimijaye said the project aligns with 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.

The Managing Director, SSPC & Paints, Solewant Group, Mr. Matthew Aganren, also applauded the Federal Government for sustaining policies that promote local content, expressing confidence that the new manufacturing plant would create jobs, deepen technical expertise and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness 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.