OTC 2026: Solewant Group showcases energy innovation
By Fredrick Ameh
Nigeria’s energy sector took center stage at the 2026 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, where Solewant Group unveiled its latest technological breakthroughs to a global audience of over 25,000 professionals.
Led by its Executive Director, Mr. Isa Momodu and General Manager Dr. Felix Onyela, the Solewant delegation presented on behalf of Group CEO, Mr. Solomon Ewanehi.
During a presentation on Solewant Group’s technological innovations, Mr. Onyela, highlighted the continued expansion of the group’s industrial complex into a fully integrated energy infrastructure hub in Alode, Eleme LGA, Rivers State.
Onyela explained that, over the years, the company identified a critical challenge in providing multi-layer polyethylene and polypropylene coating solutions for irregularly shaped pipeline fittings, such as pipe bends, tees, and flanges.
Despite specifications from International Oil Companies (IOCs) and other asset owners to protect these fittings with compatible mill-applied coating systems, the industry struggled with technical difficulties. These limitations often led to coating failures, corrosion, leaks, revenue loss, and environmental damage.
“To address this challenge, we collaborated with key Euro-American OEMs to develop, build, and commission a state-of-the-art pipe bend coating plant in July 2025 at our industrial park in Alode, Eleme,” Onyela stated.
This now-operational factory enables the deployment of multi-layer coating technology with precision and accuracy, ensuring enhanced protection and reduced maintenance costs.
He noted that NNPC and various EPC companies are currently utilizing the facility for coating both small and large-diameter pipe bends.
Key developments identified at the facility include multi-layer pipe coating systems, a steel pipe manufacturing and fabrication facility, and a state-of-the-art laboratory.
Additionally, Onyela highlighted the SSPC Automated Specialty Coating and Paints Manufacturing factory as an ongoing project slated for completion and commissioning in July 2026.
This project underscores Solewant’s transition from a service provider to a dominant industrial ecosystem, encompassing steel pipe manufacturing, advanced laboratory services, and workforce development through the Solewant Energy Training Institute (SETI).
Throughout the four-day event, which featured high-level dialogues with leaders like President Mohamed Irfaan Ali of Guyana and NUPRC Chief Executive Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Solewant emphasized the power of indigenous capacity.
According to Onyela, this expansion marks a decisive evolution from delivering isolated services to orchestrating a fully integrated industrial ecosystem.
He declared that the growth reflects Solewant Group’s transition into a position of influence where competence, infrastructure, and innovation converge to shape the future of Africa’s energy landscape.
Onyela concluded by noting that Solewant Group’s strategic presence across major global and regional platforms in 2025 has solidified its position as a globally relevant African industrial brand one that is no longer just participating in conversations but actively shaping the future of energy infrastructure, technology, and local capacity development.
By integrating subsidiaries like Pipes and Metals Industries Limited (PMI) and Field Joint Coatings Limited (FJCL), the Group demonstrated its readiness to support Nigeria’s push toward a 3-million-barrel-per-day production goal.
Amidst a landscape of rising energy demand and digital transformation, Solewant maintained a premier presence within the Nigeria Pavilion, showcasing its evolution into a fully integrated energy infrastructure hub.
As the conference concluded, Solewant representatives extended an invitation to the global community for the 10th Africa Energy Summit, hosted at their industrial park in Rivers State this November, further cementing their role as a cornerstone of Africa’s industrial independence.