The Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering a business environment capable of attracting investments, stimulating industrial expansion, creating jobs, and driving sustainable economic development across the state.
The governor made the commitment on Friday during the commissioning of the Solewant Specialty Protective Coatings and Paints (SSPC) manufacturing plant at Alode, Onne, in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The newly commissioned facility, designed to manufacture specialty protective coatings and paint solutions, officially unveiled the company’s modified paint series and coating products for decorative, industrial and specialty asset-protection markets.
The event attracted government officials, industry leaders, technical partners, clients, distributors, contractors and regulatory agencies.
Represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Barrister Sonny Ewule, Governor Fubara said his administration’s extensive investments in infrastructure were deliberate efforts aimed at creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He described Solewant Group’s decision to establish the manufacturing facility in Rivers State as a strong vote of confidence in the prevailing peace and security within the state.
According to him, the investment demonstrates that Rivers State remains a safe and attractive destination for both local and foreign investors.
“I thank the board, management and staff of Solewant Specialty Protective Coatings and Paints Limited for choosing Rivers State as your industrial hub for this gigantic state-of-the-art paint manufacturing plant. It is a testament that Rivers State is peaceful and safe for investment,” he said.
The governor urged other investors to emulate Solewant Group by taking advantage of the peaceful atmosphere and investment opportunities available in the state.
He assured the company of the government’s readiness to collaborate in promoting manufacturing, sustainable development, local content and industrial growth.
According to him, such partnerships would expand economic activities, create employment opportunities for the state’s youth, increase internally generated revenue and accelerate socio-economic development.
Governor Fubara also disclosed that the state government is working closely with relevant agencies to improve electricity supply in order to reduce energy costs for industries operating in Rivers State.
He noted that stable power remains critical to improving competitiveness and encouraging more industrial investments.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, commended Solewant Specialty Protective Coatings and Paints Limited for advancing Nigeria’s local content agenda through investment in domestic manufacturing.
Lokpobiri described the facility as a significant milestone that would not only serve Nigeria’s oil and gas industry but also position the country as a supplier of specialised coating solutions across the African continent.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting indigenous companies operating in the oil and gas sector, stressing that strengthening local manufacturing remains central to Nigeria’s industrial development strategy.
“I am very happy today that I have the privilege to witness the inauguration of this plant that will not just serve Nigeria but the entire African continent,” the minister said.
He disclosed that, as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Content Development Board (NCDMB), measures had been introduced to eliminate the dominance of middlemen in the sector, while making it mandatory for coating and pipe-related works to be executed within Nigeria.
According to him, the policy is intended to deepen local content participation, build domestic industrial capacity and retain greater value within the country’s economy.
Lokpobiri maintained that Nigerians themselves hold the key to resolving the nation’s energy challenges through innovation, investment and indigenous expertise.
Earlier, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Solewant Group, Engr. Solomon Ewanehi, described the commissioning of the manufacturing plant as a landmark achievement reflecting years of research, technological innovation and commitment to quality.
He said the facility was established to deliver world-class protective coating solutions that meet global standards, particularly for the oil and gas industry, while supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation drive and enhancing competitiveness in regional markets.