In a landmark event heralding a new era for Nigeria’s digital economy, Coleman Technical Industries Limited (CTIL) officially commissioned Africa’s largest fibre optic cable factory in Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria. The inauguration, which coincided with the company’s 50th anniversary, marks a significant milestone in the nation’s push for industrial self-sufficiency and technological advancement.
The state-of-the-art facility, a sprawling 350,000-square-meter complex, boasts an annual production capacity of over nine million kilometres of fibre optic cables. This massive output not only makes it the largest factory of its kind on the continent reportedly twice the size of its nearest competitor but also positions it to meet over 50% of Africa’s growing demand for fibre connectivity.
The event drew a high-powered delegation of government officials and industry titans, underscoring its national importance. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, hailed the factory as a “strategic national asset” perfectly aligned with the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
“In a world where data is the new essential infrastructure, local capacity in fibre optics reduces import dependence, conserves foreign exchange, and positions Nigeria as a regional supplier under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” said Dr. Oduwole, delivering the President’s message. She lauded the factory for its potential to boost Nigeria’s digital economy, create jobs, and strengthen the country’s overall competitiveness.
The commissioning also included the launch of the continent’s first Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) production line, a critical component in cable manufacturing.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the event as a “defining moment in our state and in Nigeria’s digital revolution.” He praised Coleman’s 50-year journey as a “story of faith, resilience, and innovation,” and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering an investor-friendly environment, which has cemented Ogun’s status as “Nigeria’s manufacturing capital.”
“By producing fibre cables locally, we are not only bridging the digital divide but also creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs across manufacturing, logistics, and ICT,” Governor Abiodun stated.
The factory’s strategic importance was further emphasized by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani. He revealed that the new facility is a critical enabler for the Federal Government’s “Project BRIDGE” (Broadband Infrastructure Development for Digital Economy), which aims to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre network nationwide.
“This is the only company in West Africa that manufactures fibre cables. There’s no alternative,” Dr. Tijani said, highlighting Coleman’s pivotal role. “We’re working with Coleman and its American partners to train 5,000 young Nigerians on fibre handling, splicing, and deployment, a key part of our national broadband plan.”
In his remarks, the Managing Director and CEO of Coleman, Mr. George Onafowokan, reflected on the company’s humble beginnings from a 200-square-metre factory in Idimu to its expansive operations in Arepo and now Sagamu. He stated that the vision for the new factory extends far beyond Nigeria’s borders.
“This factory is not just for Nigeria but for the African market West, East, Central, and Southern Africa,” Mr. Onafowokan declared. “Our goal is for Nigeria to solve Africa’s connectivity challenges and drive the continent’s digital transformation.”
Mr. Onafowokan revealed that the company is targeting a N15 trillion ($10 billion) revenue enterprise, with over 50% of that to be generated from exports. The project is projected to create over 20,000 direct and 200,000 indirect jobs. He also announced plans for a future $100 million “Fibre Optic Cable Drawing Tower” to further deepen local content and reduce import dependency.
However, the Coleman CEO also used the platform to call on the government to expedite the approval of the 2025 fiscal policy and the company’s application for Free Trade Zone status for its Sagamu industrial expanse, which he said would enhance competitiveness and boost foreign exchange earnings.
The Sagamu V facility, built in partnership with the US-based Corning Inc., is more than just a fibre optic plant. It is an integrated industrial hub that also features a copper and aluminium smelting plant capable of producing 10,000 tonnes of copper and 3,000 tonnes of aluminium monthly, reinforcing Coleman’s position as Africa’s leading integrated cable manufacturer.
As Nigeria aggressively pursues its goal of achieving 70% broadband penetration, the local manufacturing of this critical infrastructure component by Coleman is set to be a game-changer, promising to accelerate digital inclusion, lower data costs, and unleash a new wave of innovation across the economy.
