EKEDC, Coleman seek tax waivers on cable manufacturing

A five-man technical team from Eko Electricity Distribution Company has called on the Federal Government to provide tax waivers and incentives to indigenous manufacturers, following a tour of Coleman Technical Industries Limited’s factory in Sagamu, Ogun State.

The delegation, led by EKEDC officials, made the call after inspecting the facility and commending the scale of local cable production, which they said could position Nigeria as a major player in the West African market if adequately supported.

According to a statement, the Managing Director of Coleman Technical Industries Limited, George Onafowokan, alongside the Executive Director, Michael Onafowokan, received the team and conducted them around the factory, showcasing the company’s manufacturing processes and infrastructure.

During the tour, Michael Onafowokan highlighted the firm’s operational capacity, including its ability to generate its own electricity to ensure uninterrupted production and maintain product quality.

Speaking after the inspection, the Head of Supply Management and Sourcing at EKEDC, Engr. Maurice Osogbo, expressed strong admiration for the facility and urged government intervention to sustain such investments.

Osogbo said, “I am super impressed and blown beyond measure by what we have seen here. This is something you only see in international documentaries, and it is happening right here in Nigeria. The government needs to support companies like this with tax waivers and incentives to encourage local manufacturing and help them scale.”

He added that backing indigenous manufacturers would not only strengthen the local economy but also improve foreign exchange earnings and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional markets.

Meanwhile, the Head of Distribution and Operations at EKEDC, Engr Henry Ukoh, said the visit reshaped his perception of the company’s capabilities, noting that Coleman had grown into a large-scale industrial player.

He said, “This facility is mind-blowing and a source of national pride. Companies like Coleman deserve strong government backing to thrive. I am concerned about whether they are benefiting from any tax waivers, because such support is critical to improving their competitiveness.”

He further affirmed that Coleman’s products meet high standards, stressing that although pricing challenges exist due to market competition, locally produced cables remain competitive when import-related costs are considered.

Ukoh maintained that with targeted policy support, including tax incentives, indigenous manufacturers could expand into international markets and drive economic growth.

The EKEDC team concluded that sustained government support would enable companies like Coleman to scale production, boost exports, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global cable manufacturing industry.