Ogun agog as Coleman Marks 50 Years, Commissions Africa’s Largest Fibre Optic & First Reinforced Plastic Cable Factory in Ogun

All roads led to Sagamu in Ogun State yesterday as Coleman Technical Industries Limited, Nigeria’s leading cable manufacturer celebrated its 50th anniversary alongside the commissioning of Africa’s largest fibre optic cable manufacturing facility and the continent’s first fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) production factory, located in Sagamu, Ogun State.

The historic event, attended by government officials, industry leaders, and stakeholders, was marked by speeches highlighting Nigeria’s growing industrial and digital transformation.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described Coleman’s journey as “a legacy of faith, resilience, and innovation,” adding that the company’s growth over five decades represents a “true Nigerian success story.”

The governor commended the Onofowokan family for building Coleman into one of Africa’s foremost cable manufacturers, saying it reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of the Ogun people and the state’s enabling industrial environment.

“I vividly recall commissioning the first phase of the Coleman Fibre Optic Cable Factory in July 2022. What we are witnessing today is phenomenal,” Abiodun said. “This company stands as proof of the resilience and ingenuity that define both this enterprise and our people.”

Governor Abiodun praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as “audacious policies reshaping the national landscape.” He noted that the federal and state governments’ collaboration is positioning Nigeria among Africa’s fastest-growing emerging economies.

The governor also emphasized the economic significance of fibre optics, calling them “the arteries of the digital economy.” He said local fibre production will reduce import dependency, create thousands of jobs, and boost Nigeria’s GDP.

“For us in Ogun State, this commissioning marks a defining moment in our digital revolution,” Abiodun said. “With our ongoing 3,000km fibre optic rollout, we are proud to partner with companies like Coleman to bridge the digital divide.”

He added that Ogun State remains Nigeria’s industrial capital and a model for local manufacturing success.

In his remarks, Coleman’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. George Onafowokan, said the milestone reflects the company’s decades-long commitment to innovation, quality, and national development.

“Today, we gather not just to commission a factory, but to celebrate a milestone in Nigeria’s industrial journey and a remarkable occasion for Africa,” Onafowokan stated. “Coleman stands as a testament to vision, perseverance, and the enduring Nigerian spirit of possibility.”

He recounted the company’s evolution from a small 200-square-metre factory in Idimu to over 400,000 square metres of industrial space across its Arepo and Sagamu plants. “What began with trading has become a hub of industrial excellence,” he said.

The new Sagamu 5 facility, according to him, has a production capacity of 9 million kilometres of fibre optic cables—the largest in Africa—and will serve both domestic and export markets. The plant also houses Africa’s first FRP manufacturing line and a copper and aluminium smelting facility capable of processing up to 13,000 tons per month.

Onafowokan revealed that Coleman is targeting a ₦15 trillion ($10 billion) revenue in the coming years, with over half projected from exports. The company expects to create more than 20,000 direct and 200,000 indirect jobs, with at least 30% female participation, while generating over ₦1 trillion in export revenue from its fibre optic operations.

He also called for government support on fiscal policies and the approval of Coleman’s application for Free Trade Zone status for its Sagamu industrial expanse, which he said would enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness and boost foreign exchange earnings.

“As we look ahead, we see not just a factory but a future — one where Nigerian manufacturing thrives, our young engineers find purpose, and ‘Made in Nigeria’ becomes a global badge of pride,” he said.

The event also featured goodwill messages from the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, who represented President Bola Tinubu, as well as partners from the telecommunications and manufacturing sectors.

Coleman’s new facilities mark a major leap forward for Nigeria’s industrial base and digital infrastructure, positioning the country as a key hub for fibre optic technology and manufacturing in Africa.