EKEDC urges Govt. support for local cable firms
By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
A technical team from Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has called for increased government support for indigenous manufacturers following a facility tour of Coleman Technical Industries Limited in Sagamu, Ogun State.
The 5-man delegation was received by the Managing Director of Coleman, George Onafowokan, alongside the company’s Executive Director, Michael Onafowokan, who led the team on an inspection of the factory.
During the tour, the company showcased its production capacity, including its ability to generate independent power to sustain uninterrupted manufacturing, as well as its focus on producing high-quality electrical cables.
Speaking after the visit, Head of Supply Management and Sourcing at EKEDC, Maurice Osogbo, described the facility as exceeding expectations, saying he was “super impressed” by the scale and sophistication of operations, noting that such industrial capacity is often associated with advanced economies.
He urged the government to introduce incentives such as tax waivers to support local manufacturers, stressing that such measures would enhance competitiveness, boost foreign exchange earnings, and position Nigeria as a hub for cable production in West Africa.
Also speaking, Head of Distribution and Operations at EKEDC, Henry Ukoh, said the visit had reshaped his perception of Coleman’s capabilities, describing the facility as “mind-blowing” and a source of national pride, adding that companies operating at such scale deserve policy backing to thrive.
Ukoh also raised concerns about the level of government incentives available to the company, urging authorities to provide the necessary support to enable expansion and competitiveness in both local and international markets.
He further affirmed that Coleman’s products meet high-quality standards, noting that while pricing may be influenced by market dynamics, locally manufactured cables remain competitive when import costs are considered.
The EKEDC team concluded that with adequate policy support, indigenous manufacturers like Coleman could scale operations, expand into export markets, and significantly contribute to Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic development.