Given the growing demand for fiber optics throughout Africa and the copper theft problem in some African countries, it was learned that a recently inaugurated fiber optic cable manufacturing plant in Ogun State, southwest Nigeria, is the first and only fifth of its kind in the entire continent of West Africa. The plant was built by a local company, Coleman Technical Industries Limited, in partnership with a U.S. company, Fiber Business EMEA, a manufacturer of quality electrical and telecommunications wire and cable.
The partners say the new development is expected to foster innovation and the development of Nigeria's digital economy infrastructure.
According to the Business AM website, George Onafowokan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Coleman Technical Industries Limited, said the project is a response to the Federal Government's call for rapid development of digital penetration and promotion of local content development in Nigeria.
He added that the company is making an ambitious push to become the largest fiber optic cable plant in Africa by September 2023, and to further increase capacity to eventually serve not only Nigeria, but 50 percent of West and Central Africa and the entire continent.
It's not just Onafowokan who sees this as an important development. The Minister of Trade and Investment, the Governor of Ogun State and the US Ambassador to Nigeria (represented by Commercial Attaché David Russell) attended the inauguration of the plant.
Expectations are high for the new development, including its role in protecting foreign exchange, promoting technology transfer, job creation and poverty alleviation.
