Nigeria has unveiled Africa’s largest fibre optic cable factory, located in Sagamu, Ogun State, this ambitious endeavor by Coleman Technical Industries Limited (CTIL) is being lauded as the ultimate game-changer for the nation’s digital infrastructure. 

Commissioned by none other than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu himself, this facility is set to produce a staggering nine million kilometres of fibre optic cables each year. With the ability to process 13,000 tons of copper and aluminum monthly, Nigeria is positioning itself as a heavyweight contender in the global telecommunications arena.

At the grand ceremony, President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, gushed over the factory’s potential, dubbing it “a strategic national asset.” This is just another classic example of political leaders touting grand visions that they hope will boost their popularity while glossing over the hard realities ahead.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, unveiled plans for an ambitious 90,000-kilometre network of fibre optic cables across Nigeria. 

 Financial institutions like First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and the Bank of Industry (BOI) is touted as a success story of financial collaboration. But is it really? Mrs. Yemisi Edun, CEO of FCMB, waxed poetic about how this “enabler of national progress” is going to change the game. 

CEO George Onafowokan of Coleman chimed in with claims that the project will generate over 20,000 direct jobs and 200,000 indirect jobs, alongside a whopping ₦1 trillion in export revenue. 

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun added to the fanfare, declaring the factory’s opening a monumental leap in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. He emphasized its potential to bridge the digital divide and reduce dependence on imports. However, one can’t help but wonder if such optimistic claims will actually translate into tangible benefits for the populace.

This so-called landmark development certainly puts Nigeria in the spotlight, but as we cheer for this ambitious leap, let’s keep a critical eye on whether it will genuinely foster economic growth and technological advancement or simply serve as a superficial showcase of progress. Will this factory set a precedent for local manufacturing across Africa, or will it turn out to be just another overhyped initiative in a long line of promises?