...For millions of Nigerians, his story is not only a celebration of personal success but a reminder that the destiny of a nation can be redefined by leaders who choose service over self and people over profit.
As Nigeria commemorates its 65th Independence Anniversary, The Guardian has celebrated Engr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, and Founder of Promat Coating Company Limited, as a symbol of resilience, vision, and transformative leadership in both business and governance.
A Visionary Industrialist
Engr. Ezeh, fondly nicknamed “Bazzu” during his school days, rose from humble beginnings to build an indigenous company with international recognition in the oil and gas servicing industry. As a self-made billionaire, his journey reflects determination, sacrifice, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
Through Promat Coating Company Limited, established in 2002 and incorporated in 2014, Ezeh pioneered industrial coating and pipeline protection solutions that now serve major oil and gas companies across Africa and the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Mozambique.
People Before Profit
Ezeh’s leadership style is anchored on the philosophy that business must serve people, not just profit. With his wife also serving as a trusted adviser, he has built a reputation for prioritizing employee welfare. Salaries are paid promptly, families are supported with school fees, and staff welfare is never compromised—even during harsh economic downturns when international oil companies withheld payments.
His ability to sustain his workforce during Nigeria’s toughest economic seasons, while others downsized or folded, marked him as a leader whose resilience inspires confidence.
Driving Innovation in Governance
Beyond business, Engr. Ezeh has answered the call to public service. As Commissioner in the administration of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, he aligns his entrepreneurial drive with the Governor’s innovation-driven vision for Enugu State. Together, they are charting a new path where governance and technology intersect to create inclusive growth and industrial transformation.
Promat: From Local Roots to Global Influence
Promat Coating Company Limited has invested between ₦5–10 billion into advanced coating technology, with facilities sitting on over 50 plots of land. The company boasts a massive workshop, employs close to 1,000 direct staff, and engages thousands more across multiple projects. Its collaboration with global giants like Saipem Contracting has positioned Promat as a key player in the international coatings industry.
The company’s upcoming expansion, with new facilities set for commissioning, is expected to further boost Enugu’s industrial capacity and attract more technology-driven investments in line with Governor Mbah’s development agenda.
Economic Reset and Global Vision
Engr. Ezeh’s mission transcends business success. He envisions an Africa less dependent on crude oil and more invested in technology, clean energy, and industrial innovation. Through projects like the production of smokeless coal briquettes, Promat is contributing to cleaner energy solutions, poverty reduction, and job creation—redirecting the mindset of young Nigerians towards productivity and entrepreneurship.
Tested Resilience, Lasting Legacy
His greatest test came when international clients delayed payments, forcing many companies to collapse. But Ezeh refused to compromise his commitment to his workforce, proving that indigenous capacity, when properly harnessed, can stand the test of time.
A Beacon of Inspiration at 65
From a young entrepreneur to a global industrialist and now a public servant, Engr. Lawrence Ezeh’s journey is a testament to the power of vision, innovation, and sacrifice. His life and work embody the values Nigeria celebrates at 65: resilience, progress, and hope for a brighter future.
For millions of Nigerians, his story is not only a celebration of personal success but a reminder that the destiny of a nation can be redefined by leaders who choose service over self and people over profit.
