In a significant boost to Nigeria’s industrial ambition, Solewant Group has officially inaugurated an ultra-modern Pipe Bend Multi-Layer Pipe Coating Plant at its state-of-the-art industrial park in Alode, Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State. Spanning an impressive 132,000 square meters, this facility is not just Africa’s largest pipe coating complex; it’s a game-changer, positioning Nigeria as the continent’s hub for steel pipe manufacturing and coating for the energy sector.
The commissioning marks a pivotal moment in the federal government’s drive for local content development and enhanced in-country capacity within the crucial oil and gas industry.
Precision protection for critical infrastructure
Speaking at the commissioning, Mr. Solomon Ewanehi, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Solewant Group, elaborated on the plant’s strategic importance. “This modern pipe bend coating plant provides reliable multi-layer coating protection on non-linear steel pipe structures,” Ewanehi explained. “This includes, but is not limited to, buckle arrestors, pipe bends, pipeline field joints, short run pipelines, pipeline spools, pipeline risers, and pipeline tie-ins, all in accordance with current ISO standards.”
Ewanehi highlighted that Solewant Group, celebrating 25 years of innovation, identified a critical vulnerability in the energy sector: the inadequate coating protection of irregularly shaped pipeline fittings. This deficiency often leads to coating failures, pipeline corrosion, leaks, revenue loss, and significant environmental damage.
To address these pressing issues, Solewant’s dedicated team of innovators and engineers, in collaboration with Euro-American Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) who were present at the commissioning, conceptualized and constructed this cutting-edge Pipe Bend Coating Plant.
“The facility enables us to apply multi-layer coating systems with precision and accuracy, ensuring enhanced protection, reduced maintenance, and increased pipeline integrity,” he affirmed.
A comprehensive hub for energy solutions
Beyond the newly commissioned pipe bend coating plant, the Solewant Group Industrial Park is a fully integrated ecosystem designed to provide end-to-end pipeline solutions for oil, gas, and water industrial assets. Other key facilities within the park include:
- A multi-layer pipe coating plant
- A concrete weight coating plant
- A steel pipe manufacturing and metal fabrication facility
- A dedicated pipe storage and preservation area
- A sophisticated laboratory for quality assurance
For over two decades, Solewant Group has delivered more than 100 high-impact projects for international oil companies (IOCs) and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) companies. Its services span steel pipe manufacturing, anti-corrosion and mechanical protection on steel pipes, pipeline field joint protection, and pipe fabrication, solidifying its reputation as a leading African provider of coated steel pipes to the oil and gas industries.
Championing local content and overcoming challenges
Mr. Ewanehi underscored Solewant’s profound impact on local content development in Nigeria. “The Group has significantly contributed to Nigeria’s local content development by establishing Africa’s largest pipe coating plant, capable of providing three working shifts during production,” he stated. “This reduces reliance on imports and enhances in-country capacity.” By offering world-class pipeline coating solutions, including multi-layer coating systems on non-linear steel structures compliant with ISO 2016, Solewant Group has bolstered Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves and stimulated industrial growth.
The journey to leadership has not been without its hurdles. Ewanehi candidly addressed the challenges faced, particularly “stiff competition from multinational companies.” To compete globally, Solewant strategically focused on innovation and strict adherence to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) specifications. This involved adopting cutting-edge solutions like factory automation and establishing multi-layer coating protection technologies for both linear and non-linear pipelines, tailored to Africa’s unique oil and gas environment.
Establishing the sprawling 132,000 square meter industrial park itself presented significant financial and logistical challenges. Solewant overcame these by leveraging strategic partnerships, advanced project management, and an unwavering commitment to delivering long-term value for its clients. “The oil and gas sector in Nigeria lacked robust local manufacturing and service capabilities. Solewant Group invested in creating Africa’s largest pipe coating plant and advanced facilities to reduce dependency on imports and enhance Nigeria’s industrial capacity,” Ewanehi reiterated, highlighting the group’s resilience and innovative spirit.
Industry leaders applaud Solewant’s vision
The commissioning ceremony drew praise from key industry stakeholders. Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), represented by Esueme Kikile, General Manager, Capacity Building Development, NCDMB, commended Solewant Group for this monumental achievement. Ogbe lauded Solewant as a shining example of in-country capacity building and a testament to Nigerian Content Development.
“What Solewant has done today is just a manifestation of NCDMB’s continuous campaign to invest locally in Nigeria, to ensure that local companies have opportunities to play in the areas where international companies are playing,” Ogbe stated, emphasizing the crucial role of such initiatives in building Nigerian capacities and companies.
Engr. Wole Ogunsanya, Chairman of PETAN, represented by Engr. (Dr.) Innocent Akuvue, Chairman of GGI International Nigeria Limited, also lauded the initiative, stressing its massive impact on the oil and gas industry. “It helps to stop all forms of leakages, corrosion and loss of crude, oil and gas and other hydrocarbons,” Akuvue noted.
He highlighted the numerous benefits to the country, including job creation for engineers, technicians, and artisans, which significantly boosts the national economy.
“PETAN is building capacities in-country; PETAN is building specialization in-country, and this is what it is; you can see what happened today. One of us, proudly a member of PETAN, has demonstrated in-country capacity, in-country innovation, and in-country creativity. The initiative is a boost to Nigerian Content.”
A diversified portfolio and global footprint
Solewant Group today operates a diversified portfolio, including Solewant Nigeria Limited, Pipe and Metals Industries Limited, Field Joint Coating Limited, Solewant Specialty Protective Coatings and Paints Limited, and Solewant Energy Institute. Strategically located in Alode-Eleme-Onne, within Nigeria’s oil and gas corridor, its multi-layer pipe coating plant is equipped with world-class Euro-American technologies from Dutch partners, KEMA Coatings (Canada), Raychem RPG (India), and CANUSA CPS (Canada). This facility is designed for high-volume manufacturing of steel pipes and coating products, offering a comprehensive range of solutions from fusion bonded epoxy (FBE) to concrete weight coating systems, cathodic protection (CP) systems, and specialized energy training.
The company’s growing reputation has attracted major contracts from key industry players such as Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil, TOTAL Energies, First E&P, NLNG, and NGIC.
Beyond Pipes: Nurturing talent and shaping the future
In 2022, recognizing a wider talent gap in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, Solewant Group expanded its vision beyond manufacturing to include education and empowerment. This led to the birth of the Solewant Energy Training Institute (SETI), a national response to the critical need for skilled, industry-ready professionals. What began as an industrial group is now also a knowledge institution, building not only products but also people.
Strategic alliances have been a cornerstone of Solewant’s transformation. The group’s commitment to innovation, integrity, and impact continues to drive its success.
Looking ahead, Solewant Group is set to host the 9th Energy Summit in Onne, themed “Emerging Technologies and the Future of Sustainable Energy Development in Africa,” on November 27 and 28, 2025.
A track record of awards and milestones
Solewant Group’s continuous groundbreaking efforts have earned it numerous accolades:
- 2021 & 2022: ‘Best Oil & Gas Contractor of the Year’ by NewsDirect.
- 2023: ‘Best Indigenous African Oil and Gas Contractor of the Year’ by Offshore Africa Oil & Gas Magazine.
- 2024: Hosted the Solewant Group 8th Energy Summit, focusing on sustainable energy development in Africa.
- Earlier 2025: Unveiled the ‘Solewant Group Roadmap Plus’, a 10-year strategic vision emphasizing technological innovation and contributions to Nigeria’s industrial development and energy transition.
- February 13, 2025: Showcased industry-leading innovations at SAIPEC 2025 in Lagos, presenting cutting-edge pipeline coating solutions, metal fabrication, specialty paints, and training solutions for Africa’s energy and infrastructure sectors.
- May 20, 2025: Exhibited prominently at NOGOF 2025 at the NCDMB Headquarters in Yenagoa, unveiling its 10-year strategic roadmap plus focused on sustainable local content growth.
- May 5-8, 2025: Exhibited products and services at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, USA, reinforcing its global presence in advanced energy solutions and technology transfer.
From its humble beginnings in 2000, investing in infrastructure and building key partnerships, Solewant Group has consistently demonstrated resilience and a commitment to excellence. The commissioning of this new plant is not just a celebration of Solewant’s achievements but a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s industrial future and its role in Africa’s energy transition.
