SAGAMU – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Ogun State’s status as Nigeria’s most dynamic industrial belt, citing its critical role in powering the nation’s economic growth.
The President made the declaration on Wednesday during the commissioning of the Phase Two Fibre Optic Factory of Coleman Wires and Cables, which also marked the 50th-anniversary celebration of Coleman Technical Industries Limited in Sagamu.
Represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, President Tinubu commended the Ogun State Government for its consistent policies in making the state a top investment destination and for its unwavering support to manufacturers.
He described the new factory phase as a “strategic national asset” that will significantly enhance Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.
“The phase two of this factory is not just a new line in an industrial complex — it represents a major boost to our digital economy,” Tinubu stated. “With this expansion, the company will help reduce the cost of internet access, deepen broadband penetration, and strengthen Nigeria’s technological backbone.”
The President emphasized that local fibre production is crucial for accelerating broadband access, enabling e-commerce, enhancing security networks, and powering the development of smart factories and public services.
In his remarks, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, announced that his administration will soon commence the laying of over 3,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables across the state to expand digital infrastructure.
Governor Abiodun described the establishment of the Coleman Fibre Optic Factory as a monumental stride in bridging Nigeria’s digital divide and advancing technological progress.
“By producing these cables locally, we are not only reducing dependence on imports but also creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs across manufacturing, logistics, construction, and ICT services,” the Governor said.
Echoing the commitment to digital expansion, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, disclosed the Federal Government’s plan to invest in a massive 90,000-kilometre fibre optic network across Nigeria.
Dr. Tijani revealed that the World Bank has approved a $500 million facility for the project, which he noted is the largest of its kind in the bank’s portfolio for Nigeria.
“To deploy that fibre network, we will need to train a lot of young people. We are already in discussions with Coleman and its American partners to train about 5,000 Nigerian youths in fibre optics installation, handling, and deployment within the next few months,” the Minister stated.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Coleman Technical Industries Limited, Mr. George Onafowokan, announced that the company has evolved from a cable manufacturer into a leading producer of fibre optics and industrial conductors for the region.
With an expanded annual capacity of nine million fibre counts at its Sagamu plant and three million at its Arepo factory, Onafowokan stated that Coleman is now positioned to supply the fibre optic needs of the entire sub-Saharan Africa.
“We are working towards becoming a ₦15 trillion (approximately $10 billion) revenue enterprise in the near future,” he affirmed.
