Nigeria’s push for industrial self-sufficiency received a boost as Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) applauded Coleman Technical Industries Limited for successfully implementing a backward integration strategy aimed at deepening local production capacity.
The commendation was delivered by MAN’s Director-General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, during a courtesy visit by the association’s delegation to the company’s manufacturing facility in Sagamu, Ogun State. He noted that the company’s approach aligns with broader efforts to reinforce industrial value chains across Africa.
Ajayi-Kadir stressed the urgency for African countries to move beyond exporting raw materials, urging a shift toward processing and value addition to unlock economic potential. He cited examples such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, where abundant natural resources remain underutilised due to limited industrial capacity.
Describing Coleman as a standout performer in Nigeria’s manufacturing space, he referred to the company as a “champion” capable of driving industrial growth and fostering stronger partnerships within the sector. He also conveyed apologies on behalf of MAN President, Francis Meshioye, who was unable to attend the visit.
The MAN Director-General further highlighted Ogun State as one of Nigeria’s leading industrial hubs, noting its growing competitiveness with other manufacturing centres across the continent. According to him, the factory tour provided deeper insight into Coleman’s expanding footprint, particularly in telecommunications and power infrastructure through its production of wires and cables.
He underscored the critical role of connectivity in Nigeria’s development, pointing to the rapid growth in telecommunications access and the importance of companies like Coleman in supporting that expansion.
Ajayi-Kadir also noted that the company’s plans to expand operations beyond Nigeria into West Africa and other parts of the continent align with regional integration objectives and efforts to boost intra-African trade and collaboration.
Reaffirming MAN’s commitment, he said the association would continue to advocate policies that prioritise local manufacturing and encourage the consumption of made-in-Nigeria goods. He added that Coleman would be featured among the association’s “champions” in manufacturing for the year.
Responding, the Chairman of Coleman Technical Industries Limited, Solomon Onafowokan, expressed appreciation for the visit, noting that it provided an opportunity for stakeholders to better understand the scale and impact of the company’s operations.
He emphasised that firsthand experience of the facility offers clearer insight into the company’s contributions to Nigeria’s industrial growth, while also reaffirming Coleman’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing partnership with MAN to advance the manufacturing sector.