Nigeria has taken a bold step toward digital transformation with the launch of Africa’s largest fibre optic cable factory and the continent’s first fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) manufacturing facility.

The new plant, built by Coleman Technical Industries Limited (CTIL) in Sagamu, Ogun State, represents a major leap in the nation’s push for digital infrastructure and industrial self-reliance.

A Strategic National Asset

Commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the facility has the capacity to produce up to nine million kilometres of fibre optic cables annually and process about 13,000 tons of copper and aluminium every month.

Speaking on behalf of the President, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described the project as “a strategic national asset that strengthens the digital backbone of our economy and enhances Nigeria’s competitiveness under the AfCFTA.”

Driving Digital Connectivity

Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the government’s target of deploying 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable nationwide will rely heavily on local manufacturers like Coleman, supported by homegrown financial partnerships.

The project is backed by First City Monument Bank (FCMB), the Bank of Industry (BOI), and InfraCredit, showcasing how local finance can fuel industrial and technological growth.

Financing Nigeria’s Digital Future

FCMB’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Yemisi Edun, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to enabling innovation and inclusion through infrastructure financing.

“This facility shows what happens when finance becomes an enabler of national progress. FCMB is proud to support a project that expands manufacturing capacity, creates jobs, and positions Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital future,” she said.

Massive Job Creation and Export Potential

Coleman’s Managing Director, Mr. George Onafowokan, revealed that the project is expected to create over 20,000 direct jobs and 200,000 indirect jobs, while generating over ₦1 trillion in export revenue.

Boosting Local Manufacturing

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, hailed the factory’s commissioning as a “milestone in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure revolution.”
He noted that local fibre production will help bridge the digital divide, reduce import dependence, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a manufacturing hub in West Africa.

A Legacy of Innovation

Founded in 1975 as a small trading firm in Ikotun, Lagos, Coleman Technical Industries Limited has grown into Africa’s largest cable producer, serving critical sectors including power, oil and gas, and telecommunications.

With multiple factories, including the new Sagamu facility and a fibre optic production plant in Arepo, Ogun State, Coleman continues to drive industrial innovation and national development.