The Managing Director of Coleman Industries Limited, George Onafowokan, has revealed that the installed capacity of his company can deliver well over 50 per cent of Africa’s fibre cables needs.
Speaking at the inauguration of the company’s new fibre optic cable manufacturing factory in Sagamu, Ogun State, he said the new plant came with an annual production capacity of over nine million.
Business Hilights gathered that Coleman built the new N15tn-capacity facility in partnership with the United States-based firm Corning Inc. It spans more than 350,000 square metres and can meet 50 per cent of Africa’s fibre demand.
Onafowokan further added that the plant will drive broadband expansion, digital inclusion, and export growth under Nigeria’s $1tn economic plan, saying it will also create over 20,000 direct jobs and 200,000 indirect roles, with at least 30 per cent female participation.
Representing President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said the new plant represents a strategic national asset that will strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy, create jobs, and boost competitiveness.
“Every kilometre of fibre produced here strengthens the backbone of our digital economy, enabling broadband access, secure e-commerce, and modern public services,” Oduwole said. “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.”
The Sagamu complex also features a copper and aluminium smelting plant that produces 3,000 tonnes of aluminium and 10,000 tonnes of copper monthly. Coleman stated that this added capacity has reinforced it as Africa’s leading integrated cable manufacturer.
The event, which also marked Coleman’s 50th anniversary, drew dignitaries, including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, representatives of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, traditional rulers, and captains of industry.
