Solomon Onafowokan, the founder and chairman of Coleman Technical Industries, has officially inaugurated what is now recognised as the biggest fibre optic cable manufacturing factory in Africa, located in Sagamu Ogun State.
The launch of the new facility took place alongside the celebration of the company’s 50th anniversary, marking a major moment for Nigeria’s manufacturing and digital sector.
The new factory covers more than 350,000 square metres and has the capacity to produce up to nine million kilometres of fibre optic cables yearly. It also includes a smelting section that can handle 3,000 tons of aluminium and 10,000 tons of copper every month. According to Onafowokan, this facility will boost local production and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported fibre cables. He said the project reflects the company’s long term vision for growth and national development.
Speaking during the event, Onafowokan explained that the investment supports the Federal Government’s focus on expanding digital access and promoting homegrown manufacturing. He stated, “This plant will allow Nigeria to meet its fibre demand locally and enhance our capability to export across West Africa.” He further stressed that the new factory will create jobs, deepen technology transfer and provide more opportunities for young Nigerians in the tech and manufacturing space.
The Minister of Communications Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, was present at the ceremony and confirmed a partnership between the ministry and Coleman to deploy about 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable across Nigeria. He noted that the project forms part of a World Bank supported broadband initiative valued at 500 million dollars. A representative of President Bola Tinubu described the factory as “the backbone of Nigeria’s digital future”, highlighting its importance in expanding broadband access nationwide.
Onafowokan used the occasion to call on the government to fast track the approval of the 2025 Fiscal Measuring Policy and grant Free Trade Zone status for the Sagamu plant. He said these measures are important to unlock full production potential and encourage more international partnerships. He also announced that Coleman is planning another major project, a fibre optic cable drawing tower valued at 100 million dollars, aimed at strengthening local content and boosting exports.
Coleman’s Managing Director, George Onafowokan, recalled the company’s growth from a small 200 square metre factory in Idimu to multiple production plants in Arepo and Sagamu occupying more than 400,000 square metres in less than 15 years. The factory is expected to reduce foreign exchange pressure, support export growth under the African Continental Free Trade Area and contribute to Nigeria becoming a major fibre optic hub in Africa.
