Fed Govt urges indigenous firms to leverage ‘Nigeria First’ policy for economic growth

The Federal Government has called on indigenous companies to take full advantage of the Nigeria First Policy, a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening local content, boosting domestic production, and reducing dependence on imported goods and services.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, made the appeal in Abuja when the Managing Director and Founder of Solewant Group, Mr. Solomon Ewanehi, paid him a courtesy visit.

According to a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the SGF, Segun Imohiosen, Akume said the Tinubu administration remained committed to creating a business-friendly environment that supports Nigerian enterprises and enhances national competitiveness.

The Nigeria First Policy, he noted, is already yielding positive results by encouraging local capacity, innovation, and industrial growth.

He urged indigenous companies across sectors to seize emerging opportunities under the policy, stressing that increased reliance on Nigerian-made products and services would help build a more resilient economy.

The SGF commended Solewant Group for its bold investments in the oil and gas value chain, particularly in steel pipes, metal fabrication and specialised coating solutions.

He said the company’s move to tap into divestment openings created by departing International Oil Companies (IOCs) aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to strengthen indigenous participation in the energy sector.

Ewanehi disclosed that Solewant Group had expanded its operations into the production of steel pipes, coating materials and coated products for Nigeria and other African markets.

He said the company was also supporting the Federal Government’s directive to the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) and industry stakeholders to increase the country’s crude oil output.

Ewanehi further informed the SGF of plans to host the 9th Africa Energy Summit slated for November 27–28, 2025, in Port Harcourt.

The summit, he said, will bring together experts and players in the sector to explore ways of boosting crude oil productivity and advancing Africa’s competitiveness in the global energy space.