The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a conducive environment for corporate organisations to thrive, saying the policy is aimed at promoting business growth, job creation and sustainable development across the state.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara made the commitment during the commissioning of the Solewant Speciality Protective Coatings and Paints (SSPC) manufacturing plant at Alode, Onne, in the Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, south-south Nigeria.
Represented by the Chief of Staff, Sonny Ewule, Governor Fubara said that his administration’s heavy investment in infrastructure was a deliberate strategy to provide a business-friendly environment capable of attracting local and foreign investors.
He commended the promoters of Solewant Speciality Protective Coatings and Paints Limited for locating the manufacturing plant in Rivers State, describing the investment as proof that the state remains peaceful and safe for businesses.
“I thank the Board, Management and Staff of Solewant Speciality 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,” the governor said.
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According to him, his government was prepared to collaborate with investors to advance industrialisation, local content development and sustainable economic growth.
He stated, “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. This partnership will create job opportunities for our teeming youths and increase the state’s revenue base for rapid socio-economic development.”
Fubara disclosed that his administration was working with relevant agencies to ensure stable electricity supply across the state to reduce energy costs for industries and encourage more investments.
In his keynote address, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, applauded Solewant Speciality Protective Coatings and Paints Limited for promoting local content and creating employment opportunities.
Lokpobiri reaffirmed the Nigerian Government’s commitment to supporting indigenous companies in the oil and gas sector, saying, “We are fully committed to supporting companies like Solewant Group because that is the only way we can grow. We have made it compulsory that all coating and pipes are done in Nigeria.”
Earlier, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Solewant Group, Solomon Ewanehi, described the project as a celebration of excellence in research, technology, product development and quality delivery.
He said the new manufacturing plant was designed to meet global standards while positioning Nigeria as a major supplier of protective coatings for the oil and gas industry across Africa.
