Industry News & Government Engagement

At the Access Bank Guest Lecture Series held on Friday, November 21, our MD/CEO, Mr. George Onafowokan, FNSE, delivered an inspiring session titled “Inside Out Leadership: A Coleman Case Study.” Hosted by the Access Leadership School, the Guest Lecture Series continues to serve as a respected platform for conversations that advance visionary leadership, innovation, and professional development across industries. During his session, Mr. Onafowokan shared profound insights drawn from his leadership journey and Coleman’s remarkable evolution over the years. He highlighted how vision, focus, discipline, and consistency have shaped the Company’s culture, guided strategic decisions, and powered its transformation into one of Africa’s leading manufacturers. The session also offered participants a deeper understanding of leadership beyond titles emphasizing character, intentionality, and the ability to build from the inside out. It was a moment of reflection on the values that continue to define Coleman’s contributions to national development, industrial growth, and empowerment within the manufacturing sector. With leaders and professionals in attendance, the lecture reaffirmed the importance of grounded leadership principles in driving sustainable success and industry advancement.

Coleman Technical Industries Limited proudly participated in the PACT (Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade) Conference, an initiative of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in collaboration with Afreximbank and supported by the World Customs Organization (WCO). The event, themed “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges,” took place at the State House Banquet Hall and Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. Our Managing Director/CEO, Engr. George Onafowokan, FNSE, represented Coleman during the high-level engagements. He featured in an exclusive 45-minute panel session, where he joined key business stakeholders to discuss critical issues shaping the continent’s trade landscape. During the session, Engr. Onafowokan provided valuable insights into: Trade facilitation challenges affecting regional commerce Customs modernization efforts and the role of technology Opportunities for seamless intra-African trade under the AFCFTA framework The need for collaborative policy reforms to strengthen industrial competitiveness His contributions reinforced Coleman’s longstanding commitment to advancing economic integration, driving industrial growth, and embracing innovation across Africa. The PACT Conference served as a strategic platform for policymakers, business leaders, and trade experts to exchange experiences, share best practices, and build partnerships that will shape the future of African trade. At Coleman, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that enhance trade efficiency, deepen regional collaboration, and drive sustainable industrial development across the continent.    

Five decades strong and still leading the way. The Coleman 50th Anniversary Dinner was more than a celebration; it was a powerful moment of reflection and pride. Industry leaders, partners, and friends came together to honor a legacy built on consistency, innovation, and unwavering belief in Nigeria’s local capacity. For 50 years, Coleman has stood as a symbol of resilience and progress, driving the nation’s growth through world-class cable manufacturing and continuous investment in homegrown talent and technology. The evening highlighted key milestones, celebrated long-standing partnerships, and acknowledged the dedication of everyone who has been part of the journey. It was a reminder of how far we’ve come from humble beginnings to becoming one of Africa’s leading cable manufacturers. More importantly, it served as inspiration for the limitless possibilities ahead. With renewed commitment and a clear vision for the future, Coleman continues to pave the way for industrial development, innovation, and national empowerment. Here’s to the next 50 years building stronger, powering progress, and setting new standards for excellence.  

A landmark moment for Nigeria’s industrial and digital future has unfolded with the commissioning of Coleman’s Sagamu V Fibre Optic Factory Phase II. This milestone marks a major leap in local manufacturing capability and reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to technological self-reliance. With expanded production capacity and cutting-edge infrastructure, the facility strengthens the nation’s fibre optic backbone, accelerates broadband deployment, and positions Nigeria as a regional hub for advanced telecommunications technology.    The official commissioning of Coleman’s Sagamu V Factory (Fibre Optic Phase II) marked more than the launch of Africa’s largest fibre optic manufacturing facility and the continent’s first fibre-reinforced plastic production plant, it signaled a defining moment for Nigeria’s cable and telecommunications industry.     With this expansion, Coleman continues to redefine Africa’s manufacturing landscape, strengthening local capacity, reducing import dependency, and enabling faster, more reliable broadband deployment across Nigeria and the wider region. The Sagamu V Factory stands as a testament to homegrown innovation, world-class engineering, and the company’s unwavering commitment to elevating the cable industry to global standards.   More than infrastructure, this milestone underscores a forward-looking industrial mindset where technology, talent, and resilience form the backbone of Africa’s digital future. It is a proud moment not just for Coleman, but for every stakeholder invested in building a connected, empowered, and technologically secure Africa.       

The Coleman 50th Anniversary Dinner was more than a celebration, it was a testament to five decades of unwavering excellence, innovation, and leadership. The event brought together distinguished figures from industry, government, and the business community, all united to honor Coleman’s remarkable journey and enduring impact. From the warm ambience to the meaningful interactions, every moment reflected the values that have shaped Coleman for half a century. The event highlighted not just where Coleman has been, but where it is headed: forward, with purpose, integrity, and a commitment to doing things well and doing them right. As guests shared stories, connected across sectors, and celebrated milestones, one theme stood out Coleman’s legacy is built on consistency, quality, and vision. What began as a dream has become a driving force in Nigeria’s manufacturing and industrial landscape. The evening honored the past, celebrated the present, and inspired the future. And as Coleman steps into its next chapter, one thing remains clear: excellence is not just a standard it is a tradition.

Leadership, Innovation, and Progress: A New Chapter for Nigeria’s Manufacturing Sector. The 29th of October 2025 marked a defining moment in the history of Coleman Technical Industries Limited, as the company officially commissioned the Sagamu V Factory Africa’s Largest Fibre Optic Manufacturing Facility and the continent’s first Fibre-Reinforced Plastic Factory. The grand commissioning was not just a milestone for Coleman, but also a proud moment for Nigeria’s manufacturing and industrial sectors, signaling a bold leap forward in local production capacity and technological advancement. The event was graced by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, ably represented by Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment. Also in attendance was the Chief Host, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, Executive Governor of Ogun State, alongside Mr. George Onafowokan, Managing Director/CEO of Coleman Technical Industries Limited. Their presence underscored the strategic importance of public-private collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s industrial development and promoting self-sufficiency in critical sectors such as cable manufacturing and telecommunications. This commissioning reflected the Federal and State Governments’ shared commitment to supporting indigenous companies driving economic growth, innovation, and employment opportunities for Nigerians. Following the formal ceremony, a guided tour of the new facility was led by Engr. Michael Onafowokan, Executive Director, who walked guests through Coleman’s cutting-edge production processes. The tour highlighted the company’s latest innovations in fibre optic manufacturing, quality control, and sustainable production all designed to meet global standards. The Sagamu V Factory stands as a symbol of Coleman’s continuous evolution and leadership within the manufacturing space. It demonstrates how homegrown expertise, advanced technology, and visionary leadership can converge to create world-class infrastructure right here in Nigeria.

Coleman Wires and Cables had the distinct honour of hosting Mr. Omokayode Mudathir Lawal, Managing Director of Polaris Bank Ltd, on a courtesy visit to our production facility. The visit underscored the importance of strategic collaboration between the financial and manufacturing sectors in shaping Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth. A Meeting of Vision and Purpose Mr. Lawal’s visit offered a moment of mutual respect and shared ambition, as discussions centered around how financial institutions can support the growth of indigenous manufacturing and help build a more self-reliant Nigerian economy. “At Coleman, every cable we produce is a step toward national development—and it’s partnerships like this that make progress possible,” said Engr. George Onafowokan, FNSE, Managing Director/CEO of Coleman Wires and Cables. Walking Through Innovation and Capacity During the visit, Mr. Lawal was taken through a guided tour of our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. He witnessed firsthand the processes, precision, and people behind our industry-leading products, and gained insight into our capacity to deliver high-quality, locally manufactured cables for power, infrastructure, and industrial projects across West Africa. Powering Nigeria’s Industrial Future—Together The engagement served as a reminder that true progress comes from collaboration. By aligning financial support with local industrial capability, institutions like Polaris Bank play a vital role in unlocking growth, driving innovation, and fostering economic resilience. At Coleman, we remain committed to building more than just cables—we are building connections that power industries, economies, and futures. 🤝 Stay connected with us as we continue to engage stakeholders and build lasting partnerships that transform Nigeria’s industrial landscape.Visit 👉 www.colemacables.com

We were honored to welcome Mr. Adamu Saliu Lawani, Executive Director at Zenith Bank Plc, to the Coleman Wires and Cables factory for an exclusive tour of our operations. The visit offered a unique opportunity to showcase the core of what makes Coleman one of Nigeria’s most trusted names in cable manufacturing: our people, our processes, and our purpose. A Walk Through Coleman’s World-Class Operations Mr. Lawani was taken through a detailed factory walk-through, where he observed firsthand the cutting-edge technology, skilled workforce, and rigorous quality control systems that power our production every day. From raw material handling to final product testing, the tour highlighted our commitment to efficiency, excellence, and safety at every stage. “At Coleman, we’re not just manufacturing cables—we’re building trust, empowering industries, and strengthening Nigeria’s industrial backbone,” shared Managing Director Engr. George Onafowokan, FNSE, during the visit. Strengthening Strategic Partnerships This visit reflects the growing synergy between Nigeria’s financial sector and its manufacturing industry. As a key financial partner, Zenith Bank Plc continues to play an important role in supporting industrial growth, and Mr. Lawani’s engagement reaffirms the value of collaboration in fostering economic development. The exchange also provided an avenue to discuss future opportunities for supporting local industries, expanding capacity, and deepening financial investment in Nigeria’s productive sectors. Building More Than Cables At Coleman Wires and Cables, we pride ourselves on building long-term relationships that go beyond transactions. Whether it’s our clients, partners, or institutional stakeholders, we are committed to nurturing partnerships that drive growth, innovation, and shared success. 📸 Swipe through the highlights from Mr. Lawani’s visit on our social media pages, and stay connected for more behind-the-scenes moments and industry insights.Visit 👉 www.colemacables.com

At the recently held BusinessDay Manufacturing Conference 2025, industry stakeholders, innovators, and policymakers gathered to chart a path forward for Nigerian manufacturing amid economic turbulence. Among the distinguished speakers was Engr. George Onafowokan, FNSE, Managing Director/CEO of Coleman Wires and Cables, who shared valuable insights on how local industries can drive sustainable growth and resilience. Themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Manufacturing Potential: Strategies for Sustainable Growth Amid Economic Turbulence,” the conference provided a timely platform for addressing the pressing realities of doing business in today’s climate—while also spotlighting innovative solutions and growth strategies. Real Talk on Real Challenges—and Real Solutions During his session, Engr. George Onafowokan highlighted the importance of local capacity development, policy consistency, and infrastructure investment as essential building blocks for transforming the sector. “Manufacturing can thrive even in turbulence—if we prioritize local value creation, reduce import dependency, and ensure that government policy supports rather than stifles local enterprise,” Onafowokan emphasized. He further discussed Coleman’s journey as a case study in resilience and innovation, detailing how the company has maintained high standards while scaling production and expanding market reach both locally and across West Africa. Coleman’s Ongoing Commitment to Nigeria’s Industrial Future As one of Nigeria’s leading manufacturers of wires and cables, Coleman’s participation in the BusinessDay Manufacturing Conference is part of its larger mission to: Promote sustainable manufacturing practices Support policy advocacy for local producers Invest in technical capacity and skilled labor Champion industrial innovation in Nigeria and beyond The Future is Local The conversations at the conference reaffirmed what Coleman has long stood for: a self-sufficient, innovation-driven manufacturing sector is not only possible—it’s essential. And with collaboration, investment, and bold leadership, it can become the cornerstone of Nigeria’s long-term economic stability. 📢 Stay connected with Coleman Wires and Cables for more updates, insights, and contributions to Nigeria’s industrial growth.Visit 👉 www.colemacables.com