The Coleman Technical Industries Limited’s (CTIL) fibre optic factory, located in Ogun State, aims to generate more than N1 trillion in export revenue, create over 20,000 direct jobs, and approximately 200,000 indirect jobs in the country.
According to Coleman, its facility, backed by First City Monument Bank (FCMB), the Bank of Industry (BOI), and InfraCredit, shows how aligned finance can turn industrial ambition into national progress.
Coleman’s managing director, George Onafowokan, while praising the financiers’ role in bringing the vision to life at the launch of the facility, noted that the project is the best in Africa and that the continent is proud of it.
Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said the factory’s inauguration marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure drive. He noted that local fibre production would help close the digital divide, reduce import dependence, and generate thousands of jobs across the manufacturing, logistics, and ICT sectors.
Earlier, the FCMB’s chief executive officer, Yemisi Edun, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to financing infrastructure that drives economic inclusion and innovation.
“This facility shows what happens when finance becomes an enabler of national progress. FCMB is proud to be part of a partnership that expands manufacturing capacity, creates jobs, and positions Nigeria as a key player in Africa’s digital future. Nigeria’s digital infrastructure took a significant step forward with the commissioning of Africa’s largest fibre optic cable factory and the continent’s first fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) manufacturing facility. The plant, built by Coleman Technical Industries Limited (CTIL) in Sagamu, Ogun State,’’ she said.
Commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the facility can produce up to 9 million kilometres of fibre optic cables annually and process approximately 13,000 tons of copper and aluminium each month.
President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, described the facility as “a strategic national asset that strengthens the digital backbone of our economy and enhances Nigeria’s competitiveness under the AfCFTA.”
The minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said the government’s plan to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre nationwide will rely on local manufacturers, such as Coleman, and be supported by robust local financing partnerships.
He described Coleman’s 50-year journey as one of industrial resilience and innovation that continues to power national development.
Founded in 1975 as a trading firm in Ikotun, Lagos, Coleman Technical Industries Limited has evolved into Africa’s largest cable producer, serving key sectors including power, oil and gas, and telecommunications.
It operates multiple factories, including the new fibre cable plant in Sagamu and an internet fibre optic production facility in Arepo, both in Ogun State.
