FG urges indigenous companies to seize Nigeria First Policy for economic growth

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

The Federal Government has issued a strong call to indigenous businesses nationwide to capitalise on the Nigeria First Policy, an initiative aimed at boosting local content, driving economic growth, and empowering Nigerian industries.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, made the appeal during a courtesy visit from Solomon Ewanehi, Managing Director and Founder of Solewant Group, in Abuja, according to a statement issued bythe  Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen.

Akume reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s dedication to fostering a business-friendly environment, saying, “The Nigeria First Policy is yielding positive results. Indigenous companies must leverage this policy to reduce the nation’s dependency on imported products and services.”

He also praised Solewant Group for boldly investing in sectors divested by foreign International Oil Companies (IOCs), particularly in steel pipes, metal fabrication, and specialised coating solutions in the oil and gas industry.

Solomon Ewanehi highlighted the company’s expanding role: “We are spreading our tentacles across the production of steel pipes, coating materials, and supply of coated pipes to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria and across Africa.” He added that Solewant Group aligns closely with the Federal Government’s directives to the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) and industry stakeholders to support efforts aimed at significantly increasing crude oil production.

Ewanehi also announced plans to host the 9th Africa Energy Summit on 27–28 November 2025 in Port Harcourt, where energy experts will gather to explore ways to boost crude oil productivity and position Nigeria competitively on the global stage.