Fubara Reaffirms Rivers as Investment Hub, Commissions Paint Factory

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment that attracts investment, drives industrial growth and creates employment opportunities across the state.

Governor Fubara gave the assurance during the commissioning of the Solewant Specialty Protective Coatings and Paints manufacturing plant at Alode, Onne, in Eleme Local Government Area.

The facility, established by Solewant Specialty Protective Coatings and Paints Limited (SSPCPL), is expected to provide employment opportunities for residents of Eleme, Okrika, Ogoni and neighbouring communities while strengthening local manufacturing capacity in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Represented at the event by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr. Sonny Ewule, the governor said his administration’s sustained investment in critical infrastructure was aimed at creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

He commended the promoters of the company for choosing Rivers State as the location for the state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, describing the investment as a strong vote of confidence in the state’s peaceful and secure business environment.

Fubara urged both local and foreign investors to take advantage of the conducive atmosphere in Rivers State to establish and expand their businesses.

“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. We are calling on local and foreign investors to emulate the Solewant Group by investing in Rivers State,” he said.

The governor assured the company of government support, noting that the state was willing to partner with the firm in manufacturing, sustainable development, local content promotion and industrial expansion.

According to him, such partnerships would stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities for youths and increase the state’s revenue base.

Fubara also disclosed that his administration was collaborating with relevant agencies to improve electricity supply across the state in order to reduce energy costs for industries and enhance business competitiveness.

In his keynote address, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, praised Solewant for deepening local content development through investment in indigenous manufacturing.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting indigenous companies operating in the oil and gas sector, describing the new facility as a significant boost to Nigeria’s industrialisation drive.

Lokpobiri noted that, as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), efforts had been made to ensure that coating and pipe-related services are increasingly executed within Nigeria to promote local value addition.

“The only way we can grow is by supporting indigenous companies. The solution to Nigeria’s energy challenges lies with Nigerians,” the minister stated.

The commissioning ceremony also featured the unveiling of Solewant’s modified paint series and advanced coating solutions designed for decorative, industrial and specialty asset-protection applications.

The event attracted government officials, industry leaders, technical partners, clients, distributors, contractors and regulators from across the country.

The commissioning of the facility further strengthens Rivers State’s position as a strategic industrial hub, particularly within the Onne-Eleme axis, while reinforcing the government’s commitment to encouraging private sector investment, promoting local content and creating sustainable employment opportunities.