The Managing Director of Coleman Wires and Cables Industries Limited, George Onafowokan, has emphasized the need for increased investment in cable infrastructure to drive sustainable development in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 2025 Nigerian International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja, he highlighted that cable infrastructure plays a vital role in national growth, yet it remains underprioritized compared to sectors like petroleum and cement. He noted that 15 per cent of global infrastructure spending is linked to cables, underscoring the sector’s significance.
Onafowokan also stressed the importance of strategically allocating the Nigerian Content Intervention (NCI) funds to bridge critical infrastructure gaps. He pointed out that key projects, including Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units, power plants, housing, and data centres, all rely on a strong cable network to support industries such as oil and gas.
He commended the efforts of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in promoting local content but urged other agencies to complement these initiatives with more direct investments in infrastructure.
He further noted that stakeholders in the energy and infrastructure sectors are advocating for more localized investments to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base. According to him, ensuring adequate funding for cable infrastructure will not only enhance development but also create job opportunities and support economic growth.
Onafowokan called on both the government and private sector players to recognize cable infrastructure as a critical component of national progress and allocate resources accordingly.