The Nigerian Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has commended Solewant Group on the successful completion and commissioning of the multi-million-dollar Solewant Specialty Protective Coating & Paints Manufacturing Plant in Alode, Rivers State, reaffirming the Government's commitment to advancing local content and industrial growth.
Signifying the establishment of this monumental edifice as a major problem-solving initiative in Nigeria's oil and gas sector, noting that most of the sector's problems can only be surmounted by the collective efforts of industry stakeholders, with the government creating an enabling platform to support these efforts.
“I commend Solewant Group for this good initiative. When I became minister, one of the issues that confronted me was the issue of ‘middlemanism', where those who have no promo capacity, those who are called briefcases with the names of local content applications, go to the industries, take jobs, and then look for those who have capacity to do the jobs.
“But when I came, I said that has to stop. The real intention of the Local Content Act is to grow local capacity, as we are witnessing today. So, I am very happy today to have the privilege of being invited to come and witness this plant which will not only serve Nigeria but the entire African continent,” He stated.
“As government, we are fully committed to supporting companies like Solewant Group, and that’s the only way we can grow in this industry. I have always said that the solution to Nigeria's energy problem lies with Nigerian nobody will come and help us solve the problems of the energy sector in Nigeria,” He added.
The Minister further stated in his remarks that the Solewant Plant is a clear statement that local content is not a slogan but achievable, bankable, and already happening at Solewant Specialty Protective Coating & Paints Manufacturing Plant, noting the impact of the divestment deals as concluded upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's resumption in office highlights the value of creating an enabling environment for indigenous operators to thrive.
“As a direct contribution to the goals we have set for the sector, the facility will continue to strengthen the industrial base that supports upstream and downstream operations across the country, while reinforcing our commitment to sustainable growth, industrial self-reliance, and national energy security.
By expressing the commitment of his Ministry and the NCDMB Board to supporting PETAN, just like Solewant Group and any other members and non-members of PETAN who have proven capacity to be able to deliver solutions to the problems they have in the oil and gas sector, the Minister highlighted the outstanding policy of the Nigeria Content Act that states that all coating pipes jobs should be done in-country.
