Dr Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, says the commissioning of Africa’s largest fibre optic cable factory by Coleman Technical Industries Limited (CTIL) marks a major milestone in the Federal Government’s broadband expansion drive under Project BRIDGE.
Speaking at the official launch of the factory in Sagamu, Ogun State, Tijani says the development directly aligns with the administration’s plan to deploy a nationwide fibre network to serve as the nation’s core digital backbone.
“You can only imagine my excitement at the launch of this new and impressive facility, considering our ongoing effort to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic network across Nigeria through Project BRIDGE,” Tijani says. “The establishment of a factory capable of manufacturing this critical component locally by a Nigerian company is a truly significant milestone, and the timing could not be more perfect.”
“You can only imagine my excitement at the launch of this new and impressive facility, considering our ongoing effort to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic network across Nigeria through Project BRIDGE,” Tijani says. “The establishment of a factory capable of manufacturing this critical component locally by a Nigerian company is a truly significant milestone, and the timing could not be more perfect.”
Project BRIDGE: Driving Nigeria’s Core Connectivity Backbone
According to the Ministry, Project BRIDGE—Broadband Infrastructure Development for Digital Economy—will deliver at least 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables nationwide under a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model.
The project aims to serve as Nigeria’s core connectivity infrastructure, providing universal access to broadband services under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
When completed, it will help achieve the target of 120,000 kilometres of fibre-optic coverage outlined in the Nigeria National Broadband Plan (2020–2025).
The $2 billion project will be financed through a combination of debt and equity, with funding expected from Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) including the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB). The Nigerian Government will retain a minority shareholding of not less than 25% and not more than 49%, while the SPV will operate as an independent entity managed by industry professionals.
Coleman’s Factory to Serve National and Continental Markets
Tijani says the Coleman factory will play a strategic role in supporting both national and continental digital infrastructure needs.
“This factory will not only support the fibre requirements of Project BRIDGE but also serve as a continental hub, supplying similar infrastructure projects across Africa in the years ahead,” he says.
Project BRIDGE: Nigeria invites investors for $2 billion fibre backbone
The $2 billion project will be financed through a combination of debt and equity, with funding expected from Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) including the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB). The Nigerian Government will retain a minority shareholding of not less than 25% and not more than 49%, while the SPV will operate as an independent entity managed by industry professionals.
He commends the company’s leadership for investing in local production capacity that strengthens Nigeria’s industrial and technological base.
“My heartfelt congratulations to the Chairman, the CEO, and the entire management and staff of Coleman Cables for their vision and commitment to Nigeria’s industrial growth,” Tijani adds.
Ogun State as an Industrial Hub
The Minister also credits Ogun State’s business-friendly environment for attracting major industrial investments such as the Coleman project.
“I wish to specially recognise His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, the Executive Governor of Ogun State, for making the state one of the most attractive destinations for investors and industries in Nigeria,” Tijani says.
Tijani attributes the sector’s progress to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic and digital transformation agenda.
“To His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I express deep appreciation for his visionary leadership in setting Nigeria the ambitious target of becoming a $1 trillion economy and backing it with bold, deliberate reforms,” the Minister says.
He adds that the ongoing synergy between policy direction, industrial capacity, and private investment signals growing confidence in Nigeria’s ability to produce locally for its development needs.
“A new Nigeria is emerging, built by those who believe in her potential, invest in her people, and produce proudly within her borders,” Tijani says.
Symbol of Progress in Digital Infrastructure
The Minister says the Coleman plant launch reflects shared progress toward a more inclusive and technology-driven economy.
“Nigeria is firmly on a path to shared prosperity, and every once in a while, a moment comes that reaffirms our collective progress,” Tijani says. “Yesterday in Sagamu, we witnessed one of those moments during the formal launch of Africa’s largest fibre optic cable factory by Coleman Technical Industries Limited, which also marked 50 years of remarkable excellence in cable manufacturing.”
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