A significant leap forward for Nigeria’s digital infrastructure was achieved with the commissioning of a massive fibre optic cable factory and the continent’s inaugural fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) manufacturing facility in Sagamu, Ogun State. Built by Coleman Technical Industries Limited (CTIL), this landmark industrial complex is being hailed by government and industry leaders as a strategic national asset critical to accelerating digital transformation across West Africa.
A Strategic Asset for Digital Development
The new facility, formally commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole), boasts formidable production capacity. It is capable of manufacturing up to nine million kilometres of fibre optic cables annually and processing approximately 13,000 tons of copper and aluminum per month.
Describing the facility's importance, President Tinubu stated that it is a “strategic national asset that strengthens the digital backbone of our economy and enhances Nigeria’s competitiveness under the AfCFTA [African Continental Free Trade Area].” The output from this factory will be instrumental in laying the foundation for a modern, interconnected economy.
Fueling National Connectivity Goals
The federal government has ambitious plans to expand Nigeria's connectivity, and local production is central to this strategy. The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, confirmed that the government's initiative to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables nationwide will heavily rely on local manufacturers like Coleman. This effort will be supported by robust local financing partnerships, ensuring the sustainability of the supply chain.
Partnership: Finance as an Enabler
The successful execution of the CTIL project serves as a model for public-private collaboration, demonstrating how aligned financial backing can translate industrial vision into national progress. The facility was supported by key Nigerian financial institutions, including First City Monument Bank (FCMB), the Bank of Industry (BOI), and InfraCredit.
Mrs. Yemisi Edun, the Chief Executive Officer of FCMB, emphasized the bank's commitment to supporting infrastructure that drives economic inclusion.
“This facility shows what happens when finance becomes an enabler of national progress. FCMB is proud to be part of a partnership that expands manufacturing capacity, creates jobs, and positions Nigeria as a key player in Africa’s digital future,” she remarked.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The tangible economic benefits of the Sagamu plant are substantial. Mr. George Onafowokan, Coleman’s Managing Director, praised the financial partners for their role and outlined the expected impact, estimating that the project will create more than 20,000 direct jobs and 200,000 indirect jobs. Furthermore, the facility is projected to generate over ₦1 trillion in export revenue, positioning Nigeria as a net exporter of advanced communication infrastructure.
Ogun State Governor Hails New Fibre Optic Plant as "Defining Moment" for Nigeria's Digital Revolution
Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State lauded the commissioning of Coleman Technical Industries Limited's new facility, characterizing the development as a “defining moment” for both the state and Nigeria’s ongoing digital revolution.
The Governor highlighted the facility's broad economic impact, noting its significant spill-over effects into crucial sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
Reflecting on the achievement, Governor Abiodun framed Coleman’s success story as one built on “faith, resilience, and innovation.” He projected that the factory would serve as a major catalyst for the state’s industrial transformation, leading to the creation of thousands of jobs for residents.
With its substantially upgraded capacity and clear export-driven strategy, the Coleman factory signals a major strategic shift, transitioning the company from a domestic cable producer to a genuine continental industrial powerhouse.