Tinubu: New Coleman Fibre-Optic Factory Set to Accelerate Jobs, Digital Transformation

President Bola Tinubu has announced that the newly commissioned fibre-optic cable manufacturing complex built by Coleman Technical Industries Limited in Sagamu, Ogun State, will play a pivotal role in boosting Nigeria’s digital economy, expanding job opportunities, and strengthening national competitiveness under the Renewed Hope Agenda.Represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the President described the facility—unveiled during Coleman’s 50th anniversary—as a strategic national asset. The plant boasts a production capacity exceeding nine million kilometres of fibre-optic cables, making it the largest of its kind in Africa and the first Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) cable factory on the continent.Tinubu noted that every kilometre of fibre manufactured locally “reinforces the backbone of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure,” enabling faster broadband expansion, secure digital services, and more efficient government operations. He stressed that domestic fibre production would cut down imports, conserve foreign exchange, and position Nigeria as a key supplier within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).The President praised Coleman’s Managing Director, George Onafowokan, and his team for sustaining and expanding operations despite economic and infrastructural challenges.Government, Industry Leaders Celebrate MilestoneThe commissioning drew top government officials and industry players, including Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani, and representatives of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.Governor Abiodun described Coleman’s 50-year journey as a testament to perseverance and innovation, calling the new factory “a landmark achievement for Ogun State and a major step in Nigeria’s digital transformation.” According to him, local production of fibre cables will significantly bridge the digital divide while creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs across manufacturing, logistics, and ICT.He reaffirmed Ogun’s role as Nigeria’s industrial hub and credited President Tinubu for policies that encourage sustained manufacturing growth.90,000 km National Fibre Plan to Depend on Local ManufacturersDr. Tijani highlighted the central role of broadband infrastructure in Nigeria’s economic advancement. He revealed that the Federal Government’s planned 90,000-kilometre fibre network rollout will rely extensively on locally produced cables—particularly from Coleman, currently the only fibre-optic cable manufacturer in West Africa.He added that the ministry is partnering with the company and U.S.-based technical partners to train 5,000 young Nigerians in fibre installation, splicing, and deployment—an essential component of the national broadband expansion strategy.Lagos State’s representative commended the company, describing the project as “a powerful statement that Africa’s digital future will be built with technology produced on African soil.”Coleman Reaffirms Commitment to National DevelopmentIn his remarks, Managing Director George Onafowokan said the new facility reflects decades of investment in innovation and quality. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development through advanced manufacturing and job creation.