The minister of Power in Nigeria, Adebayo Adelabu, stated the federal government’s readiness to collaborate with local manufacturer Coleman Wires and Cables Industries Limited to enhance the power sector and create jobs.
He stated this during a tour of Coleman’s factories at the weekend in Ogun State.
Speaking to newsmen, the minister emphasised Coleman Wires and cables’ capacity to support the power sector in all segments. He said, “a lot of investment has gone in here, and I am impressed that they are in a position to support the power sector in all segments, from generation to transmission and distribution. They have good capacity, and I am happy that this kind of company is here in Nigeria.
“The government is ready to support local manufacturers by improving local content and government patronage. I am also convinced that the quality of their products is quite optimal in terms of certification. I am proud that this kind of factory exists in Nigeria.”
Adebayo stressed that the government needs to support companies like Coleman and make their operations easier, saying, ‘we should also support them in terms of patronage and allow them to contribute to the power sector projects in Nigeria.’
The minister also stated that the government would support local manufacturers in sourcing foreign exchange for the import content in their production, which is one of the significant challenges in manufacturing in Nigeria.
The managing director of Coleman, George Onafowokan emphasised that collaboration with the government would benefit the company and encourage further investment in the country.
According to him, “we see the expansion of our power plant creating capacity in the country. Coleman is here for Nigeria to deliver the country’s goals, making local content possible. When we achieve this, we create value and export to other countries. This collaboration with the government will be an advantage to us and encourage us to invest more.”
The Coleman MD called on the government to focus more on solving power transmission problems with the support of local manufacturers.
Onafowokan, who is also the chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria(MAN) in Ogun State, urged the federal government to localise solutions to power transmission by developing the capacities of indigenous manufacturers and creating a more enabling, incentivized business environment.
He stated that, “in the drive for solutions to power transmission in the country, there must be a move that is seen from a local perspective, deliberately pushing for local industries to grow. Nigeria can be a processing country with our large population, but it is important to balance fiscal and monetary policies to address foreign exchange volatility and create an enabling environment.”
To address skill gaps in technical manufacturing, Onafowokan called for a review of tertiary institution curriculums to accommodate intense practicality in automation and machinery engineering to enhance production.
