The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on Friday participated in the commissioning of the Pipe Bend Multi-Layer Coating Plant by Solewant Group, held at the Solewant Industrial Area, Alode Eleme, Rivers State. This milestone event underscores the remarkable progress of Nigerian indigenous companies in the oil and gas sector and reaffirms NCDMB’s commitment to fostering local content development and capacity building.
Representing the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, was the General Manager, Human Capacity Development, Mr. Esueme Dan Kikile, Esq, who delivered the keynote address highlighting the vital role indigenous firms play in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry transformation.
“Fifteen years ago, Nigerian participation in the oil and gas sector was below five percent. Today, through deliberate policies and concerted efforts by NCDMB and partners like Solewant Group, Nigerian content has surged to 56%. This new multi-layer coating facility is a testament to what can be achieved when local companies are empowered to own and operate strategic assets,” he stated.
He emphasized NCDMB’s strategic vision, anchored in its 10-year roadmap, to nurture in-country fabrication yards and pipe coating plants, ensuring the industry’s sustainability and competitiveness.
“Solewant Group embodies the success of our mandate—building Nigerian capacity to take over key industry services previously dominated by expatriates. We congratulate Solewant on this achievement and pledge our continued support for their growth and innovation as they remain pivotal beneficiaries of the Board’s initiatives and policies.”
The Executive Secretary’s representative also highlighted NCDMB’s recognition by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council as the most efficient government agency for transparency and accountability over the past three years—an achievement reflective of its highly skilled and dedicated workforce.
Solewant Group’s Group Managing Director, Mr. Solomon Ewanehi, in his welcome remarks, recounted the company’s 25-year journey of industrial leadership and its contribution to Nigeria’s local content advancement through pioneering pipe manufacturing and coating technologies. The Group’s strategic investment in the Solewant Energy Training Institute (SETI) further aligns with NCDMB’s mission to develop local human capital for the energy sector.
The event also featured a goodwill message from the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), represented by Engr. Innocent Akuvue, applauding Solewant Group’s contribution to Nigeria’s industrial growth and calling for continued collaboration between indigenous companies and regulatory bodies.
The commissioning of Solewant Group’s Pipe Bend Multi-Layer Coating Plant marks a significant step toward realizing Nigeria’s goal of self-sufficiency in pipeline fabrication and coating services. NCDMB will continue to collaborate closely with Solewant and other indigenous stakeholders to drive innovation, job creation, and economic growth aligned with national development goals.
The event was attended by top industry executives, government officials, captains of industry, and heads of security agencies, reflecting the broad support and recognition of the importance of local content development in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
