8th Energy Summit: You’re are doing well, Akpabio, PETAN tell Solewant Group
By Barth Ndubuwah, Port Harcourt
The one-day Energy Summit organised by the Solewant Group concluded on Friday in Rivers State, receiving commendations from key stakeholders in the oil and gas industry, including the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN).
The event was hailed as a bold and pioneering initiative, positioning Solewant Group as a trailblazer in the sector.
Held at the Solewant Group Industrial Park in Alode, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, the summit attracted leading industry figures from within Nigeria and abroad, all gathered to discuss the future of energy in Africa.
In his address, the Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio, who was represented by Senate Deputy Minority Whip, Osita Ogbu, praised the Solewant Group for its innovative contribution to the oil and gas industry. He specifically highlighted the company’s achievement in locally producing concrete-coated pipes, which were previously imported, thus contributing to job creation and wealth generation in the country.
Akpabio expressed his appreciation for the organisers of the summit, emphasising the importance of providing a platform to discuss oil and gas issues with a global audience. He noted that the summit’s theme, ‘Pioneering Technology and Innovation for Transition to Sustainable Energy Development in Africa,’ aligns with Nigeria’s vision to unlock the potential of the oil and gas sector for the country’s benefit.
“Technology can be the key to achieving this goal, and partnering with the academic sector is a practical approach,” Akpabio said.
“As policymakers, we will continue to create policies that support the transition to sustainable energy,” he added.
Senator Barinada Mpigi, representing Rivers South East in the Senate, also commended Solewant Group for its contributions to the local oil and gas industry, particularly in creating jobs. He highlighted the new tax bill, which, once passed into law, would further support Nigerian companies in optimising their performance in the sector.
“You are doing well as a local company, and the Senate is fully behind you. We urge others to follow your lead,” Mpigi said.
Engr. Wole Ogunsanya, the National Chairman of PETAN, expressed pride in Solewant Group’s achievements and its membership within the association. He reaffirmed PETAN’s commitment to partnering with Solewant to help retain energy production within Nigeria.
“It makes no sense to import pipes that can be produced locally by Solewant. This summit underscores the importance of ensuring that energy is used locally to maximise the benefits of our natural resources,” Ogunsanya remarked.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Solomon Ewanehi, the CEO and convener of the summit, outlined the primary objectives of the 8th Energy Summit, which included driving innovation in Africa’s energy sector, showcasing cutting-edge technologies, and improving efficiency and productivity in energy production and distribution.
Ewanehi also stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including the government, private enterprises, academia, and international partners, in achieving these goals.
He explained that the summit’s broader aim was to promote initiatives that reduce environmental impact, enhance energy equity, and ensure the long-term availability of resources.
Solewant Group, Ewanehi continued, offers a wide range of specialised services to meet the critical needs of the oil and gas industry, such as pipe milling and supply, pipe coating solutions, custom coating services, fabrication and construction services, as well as pipeline maintenance and protection.
He noted that the company has successfully delivered high-impact projects for major International Oil Companies (IOCs), including Total, Shell, Chevron, NLNG, and ExxonMobil.
Addressing some of the challenges his company faces, Ewanehi identified stiff competition from IOCs, the need for building local capacity, regulatory and market complexities, and infrastructural development as key issues. However, he assured that Solewant Group had successfully overcome these obstacles and continues to make strides in the industry.
The summit also featured technical presentations by distinguished scholars and industry players, including a presentation from H.E. Wendell Vincent Carlton De Landro, the High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago to Nigeria. In addition to the presentations, attendees were given a tour of Solewant Group’s facilities, and the company’s maiden magazine was launched.
The event was widely regarded as a significant step towards advancing energy innovation and promoting sustainable development in Africa’s oil and gas sector.
