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Nigeria has taken a major leap in digital infrastructure with the commissioning of Africa’s largest fibre optic cable factory and the continent’s first fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) manufacturing plant.
Built by Coleman Technical Industries Limited (CTIL) in Sagamu, Ogun State, the facility is a milestone for local manufacturing and national development.
Commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the plant has the capacity to produce up to nine million kilometres of fibre optic cables annually and process about 13,000 tons of copper and aluminum every month.
President Tinubu, represented by the 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.”
Also speaking, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the federal government’s plan to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre across the country will be powered by local manufacturers such as Coleman and supported through strong local financing partnerships.
The Coleman project, funded by First City Monument Bank (FCMB), the Bank of Industry (BOI), and InfraCredit, demonstrates how aligned finance can turn industrial ambition into tangible progress.
FCMB’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Yemisi Edun, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to financing infrastructure that drives 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,” she said.
Coleman’s Managing Director, Mr. George Onafowokan, applauded the financiers’ role in realizing the project, revealing that it will create over 20,000 direct jobs and 200,000 indirect jobs, while generating over ₦1 trillion in export revenue.
“This is more than a factory, it’s a platform for industrial transformation, job creation, and export growth,” Onafowokan said.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the commissioning as “a major milestone in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure drive.” He said local fibre production will bridge the digital divide, reduce import dependence, and create thousands of jobs across manufacturing, logistics, and ICT.
Tracing the company’s humble beginnings, he noted that Coleman’s 50-year journey reflects “industrial resilience and innovation that continues to power Nigeria’s growth story.”
