The Federal Government, represented by Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, on Thursday commissioned the Phase II expansion of the Coleman Fibre Optic Cable Factory, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure drive and celebrating 50 years of disciplined local manufacturing by the Coleman brand.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Dr. Oduwole noted that the expansion reinforces the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy, supporting enhanced broadband penetration, driving smart-industry adoption, and creating high-quality jobs. She emphasized that the facility strengthens Nigeria’s competitive positioning under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), boosts technology sovereignty, and helps conserve foreign exchange through increased local production.
Dr. Oduwole hailed Coleman’s five-decade journey as a model for Nigerian industrial growth and family-business succession in manufacturing. She highlighted the company’s generational transition rooted in strong governance, local content development, and skilled workforce transfer—proof, she said, that “Made-in-Nigeria” products can scale competitively on the global stage.
She congratulated the Onafowokan family and the entire Coleman team for their sustained contribution to nation-building and for strengthening Nigeria’s position as a reliable manufacturer in Africa’s evolving digital economy.
Anthony Emeka Nwosu
