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Meet the business leaders driving Nigeria’s fast-growing wires and cables industry

Meet the business leaders driving Nigeria’s fast-growing wires and cables industry

For years, Nigeria’s wires and cables market was dominated by imports, brands that were cheap but often ill-equipped to survive the country’s heat, voltage fluctuations, and relentless load-shedding.

Every flicker of a light or sparking socket told a story of cables that couldn’t keep up.

Fast forward to today, and a different story is unfolding.

Indigenous manufacturers are no longer on the sidelines; they are at the heart of powering homes, offices, factories, and telecom networks across the country. From low-voltage wiring in apartments to medium-voltage lines energizing industrial clusters.

Their rise is more than a business success; it is a testament to resilience and innovation. Competing against imports, these entrepreneurs are producing ISO-certified, high-quality cables that meet international standards. They are supporting construction, real estate, and industrial growth while helping stabilize a grid that still struggles to keep up with rising energy demands.

Nigerian wires and cables market is projected to grow at a 5.2% annual rate between 2025 and 2031, reflecting rising demand across residential, industrial, and utility sectors.

As Nigeria’s population grows, so does the need for housing, infrastructure, and industrial power networks, making the role of these local manufacturers even more central to the country’s future.

This list focuses on Nigerian electricity wire and cable manufacturers whose founders are publicly documented. Many players in the sector operate with limited visibility, making it difficult to trace ownership or leadership history

Here are the entrepreneurs driving Nigeria’s wires and cables industry.

7. Founder, Coleman Wires and Cables- Asiwaju Solomon Onafowokan

Coleman Technical Industries Limited, commonly known as Coleman Wires and Cables, was founded by Asiwaju Solomon Kayode Onafowokan, a Nigerian industrialist and entrepreneur. It is one of the country’s leading indigenous electricity wire and cable manufacturers.

Onafowokan is a seasoned administrator with over 50 years of corporate management experience. A former Deputy Chief Executive at Chellarams Plc, he currently chairs the Board of Coleman Technical Industries Limited. He is the immediate past President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and serves on the Boards of NACCIMA, NECA, and MAN.

He incorporated the company on 1 July 1975, initially starting with trading operations before moving into manufacturing. Full-scale production of wires and cables began in 1996, with the first factory in Ikotun, Lagos.

The principal headquarters is located in Lagos. Over time, the company expanded its manufacturing footprint to major manufacturing plants Arepo and Sagamu in Ogun State. The Sagamu complex, which sits on more than 350,000 square metres, also houses a smelting section with capacity for 3,000 tons of aluminium and 10,000 tons of copper per month. The new facility, said to be the largest of its kind in Africa, is designed to produce up to 9 million kilometres of fibre-optic cable annually

Coleman produces a wide range of electrical products, including residential wiring, medium- and high-voltage cables, communication lines, and fibre-optic cables. Its products serve sectors including construction, real estate, industrial power networks, and telecoms.

Coleman is ISO and SON/NIS certified, and it has grown into one of West Africa’s largest cable manufacturers. The company is known for producing high-quality cables that adhere to international standards, offering a locally made alternative to imported wires and supporting Nigeria’s power and infrastructure development.

6. Founder, Cutix Plc – Engr. Dr. Obiajulu Uzodike

Cutix Plc was founded by Engr. Gilbert Obiajulu Uzodike, a Nigerian engineer and entrepreneur. He conceived the idea for Cutix around 1981, after leaving a role at Raychem Corporation, an American military wire and accessories company. The company is one of the country’s leading indigenous electricity wire and cable manufacturers.

Dr. Uzodike studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos, graduating in 1974, and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1977.

The company was formally incorporated on November 4, 1982, initially as a private limited company under the cable division of his venture firm. In mid‑1983, Uzodike and 18 associates pooled a start‑up capital of N400,000, enabling the venture’s first wave of commercial production.

Cutix moved to the public capital market and was listed on the national stock exchange on August 12, 1987, becoming the first private manufacturing company east of the Niger to be quoted.

From those early days, Cutix began building a track record. Its first extrusion line went into production in 1984, followed by a second line in 1985. By 1986, the company had expanded with multiple wire‑processing lines to match standards of leading cable manufacturers globally.

Over the years, Cutix expanded its production capabilities. In 1992, it became the first cable maker in Nigeria to acquire a plastic compounding line, a key step in backward integration.

The principal headquarters is located in Nnewi, Anambra State, with major manufacturing plants in Nnewi and Aba. These facilities house multiple wire-processing and extrusion lines producing PVC‑insulated house‑wiring cables, industrial power cables (armoured and non‑armoured), aluminium conductors, bare-copper conductors, automotive cables, solar‑ready cables, and more, serving residential, industrial, automotive and telecom sectors across Nigeria.

5. Cometstar Manufacturing Company Limited – Chief Sir James Uduji

Sir James Uzochukwu Uduji is the founder of Cometstar Manufacturing Company. The origins trace back to 1983 when he established Cometstar Elektrindo Limited, initially a company trading in and distributing a broad range of electrical products, including cables, switch‑gear, and transmission materials for about 22 years.

In 2004, just after the CEO attended the ISO convention in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he conceptualized the diversification into the manufacturing of wires and cables, leading to the incorporation of Cometstar Manufacturing Company Limited on 25 February 2005 under Nigeria’s Company & Allied Matters Act. Production under the brand Cometstar Wire & Cable began in 2006.

The corporate head office is located at 226 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. The main cable manufacturing plant is situated in Agbara Industrial Estate, Ogun State where the company runs its factory operations.

From this facility, Cometstar produces a wide variety of electrical cables and accessories from PVC‑insulated house wiring and flexible cables to armoured and non‑armoured main cables (copper and aluminium), auxiliary control cables, bare conductors for overhead lines, and other installation accessories.

Cometstar asserts that its products conform to the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS), British Standards (BS), and international norms set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

The company emphasises stringent quality control at every stage of production and positions itself as one of Nigeria’s leading privately owned cable manufacturers. Through Cometstar Wire & Cable, the company supplies wiring and power‑distribution solutions for homes, offices, factories, industrial plants, and utility substations. Its product range covers low, medium and high-voltage cables suited for overhead, underground, and surface installations

Cometstar also diversified over time, beyond cables; it now spans industrial gases and mineral processing under the umbrella of the broader Cometstar Group.

Source: https://nairametrics.com/2025/12/10/meet-the-business-leaders-driving-nigerias-fast-growing-wires-and-cables-industry/#split_content

The men with legacies scattered everywhere

4. Founder, MicCom Cables and Wires Limited – Prince Michael Ponle

MicCom Cables and Wires Limited was founded by Prince Michael Ayantunde Ponle, also known as Prince Tunde Ponle, a Nigerian engineer, entrepreneur, and industrialist. Ponle overcame early financial hardship and limited formal education to build one of Nigeria’s pioneering cable manufacturing companies.

Ponle began his career in education, attending The Polytechnic, Ibadan in 1962 to study Electrical and Electronics Engineering, before transferring to the Posts & Telecoms Training School in Oshodi, Lagos, where he acquired practical skills in telecommunications and electronics.

He briefly worked at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ibadan branch and taught at Ife Girls’ High School. In 1974, Ponle began contracting work in electrical and engineering projects, and by 1978, he formally established MicCom Cables and Wires Limited, entering manufacturing with a focus on house wiring, power cables, and conductors.

MicCom has grown into a leading player in sub-Saharan Africa, producing a wide range of electrical products that serve residential, industrial, and utility infrastructure projects. The range of products MicCom offers is broad are from PVC‑insulated house wiring and consumer cables, to power cables (armoured and non‑armoured), aluminium and copper conductors fulfilling needs across residential, commercial, industrial, and utility‑scale installations.

In terms of quality assurance and standards compliance, MicCom has long held the ISO 9001 certification. In 2024, it became the first cable manufacturer in Nigeria to secure a triple ISO accreditation, ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management), ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management), and ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety).

Beyond manufacturing, Prince Ponle also founded the MicCom Golf Hotel & Resort in Ada, Osun State, amongst multiple foundations

3. Purechem Cable & Wires – Enpee Group (Founded in Nigeria by Mr. N. P. Kirpalani)

Purechem Cable & Wires Limited is a subsidiary of the Enpee Group, an international manufacturing conglomerate founded in Nigeria in 1961 by Mr. N. P. Kirpalani. The Group began as a small trading business and expanded steadily into textiles, metal packaging, chemicals, FMCG, construction materials, and cable production.

Purechem Cable & Wires itself commenced commercial operations in 2011, positioning the company as one of Nigeria’s dedicated producers of low-voltage copper and aluminium cables. The company manufactures a wide range of electrical wires designed for building projects, industrial applications, and bespoke power solutions requested by clients.

The Enpee Group brings more than five decades of manufacturing experience across Nigeria, India, and the UAE. Its portfolio includes leading brands such as Avon Crowncaps, Fine Chemicals, PrimePak Industries, Pure Hygiene, and Renewsys in India’s solar industry. Purechem Cable & Wires benefits from this long technical heritage and the Group’s strong presence in Nigeria’s industrial sector.

Purechem Cable & Wires started operations at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Sango-Otta, Ogun State, near Lagos. From inception, the company focused on producing high-quality low-voltage electrical cables that meet both domestic and international standards. Over the years, it has grown to become a trusted supplier for contractors, builders, distributors, and industrial consumers across Nigeria.

The company’s main factory is located in Sango-Otta, equipped with advanced machinery for copper and aluminium cable production. The plant supports high-precision manufacturing and allows Purechem to maintain consistency in conductor quality, insulation, and finishing. This facility also enables customized orders for clients who require specific cable specifications.

Purechem Cable & Wires is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company, reflecting its commitment to quality management systems. It adheres to strict standards across health and safety, labour practices, environment, business ethics, and statutory compliance.

2. John Zobis Group – Founder & CEO, John Ezeobi

John Ezeobi is the founder and chief executive of John Zobis Group. He began his journey as a young importer of electrical cables and later registered the company as a small trading outfit. He started the company from the little savings of N1,350 he had while in school.

Over time, his vision and resilience transformed that modest beginning into one of Nigeria’s standout indigenous industrial successes. Zobis evolved from trading into manufacturing. The group formally became known as John Zobis Group, and its manufacturing arm, Zobis Cable, began production in 2018 with a state-of-the-art facility based in Onitsha, Anambra State.

Since then, Zobis Cable has grown to produce premium electrical wiring and cables that meet international standards serving sectors such as construction, energy, manufacturing and beyond.

Apart from cable manufacturing, John Zobis Group now spans multiple sectors through its subsidiaries including engineering, electrical contracting, oil and gas services, and real estate/construction projects. Under the group are entities such as Zobis Cable, John Zobis Engineering, Zobis Electrical Nigeria Ltd. and John Zobis Oil and Gas Nigeria Ltd.

In 2025, he was honored by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) with their “Pillar of Industrial Enterprise and National Impact” award, in recognition of his commitment to local sourcing, backward integration and strengthening Nigeria’s industrial capacity.

The company has achieved compliance with international standards such as BS 5467, establishing its reputation for quality, durability, and reliability.

1. Geoelis Cables Limited- Founders, Chief Sir Geoffrey C. O. Ezebube and Dim Elias E. Nwosu

Geoelis Cables Limited is one of Nigeria’s longstanding indigenous manufacturers of electrical wires and cables. The company was incorporated in 1978 under Geoelis Trading Company, the holding entity that also oversees Geoelis and Company Nigeria Limited and Star Gas Limited.

The group was founded by the late Chief Sir Geoffrey C. O. Ezebube and Dim Elias E. Nwosu, two pioneering businessmen who recognized the gap created when the Federal Government restricted cable imports to encourage local production. They hold 50% equity respectively.

The company opened its cable factory in 1978 and began full production in March 1981 at its facility located along the Nkpor–Umuoji Road in Nkpor, Anambra State. While its early operations relied on Chinese expatriates who managed technical and production units, these departments are now fully staffed and led by qualified Nigerian professionals.

Over the past four decades, Geoelis has earned a reputation for producing a wide range of cables across various sizes and specifications. Its product line covers domestic house-wiring cables, flexible automotive cables, aluminium service cables, bare conductors, industrial power cables and overhead line conductors used in national grid systems. These products serve a wide base of customers across domestic, industrial, automotive, telecommunication and national electrification projects.

Geoelis Cables has supplied wires and cables for rural and urban electrification projects at local, state and federal levels and continues to serve both the Nigerian and West African markets.

Its production standards conform to Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) and specifications recommended by the Cable Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CAMAN). The company is a SON Gold Award winner for all product categories and maintains membership in MAN, CAMAN and the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce.

Note: While there are other notable wire and cable companies in Nigeria as confirmed from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the founders of some of them could not be ascertained at the time of filing this article. The list is open to updates.

Source: https://nairametrics.com/2025/12/10/meet-the-business-leaders-driving-nigerias-fast-growing-wires-and-cables-industry/#split_content

Impressive. May my name be mentioned among the great soon.

The late Founder of Cutix is an Akokite. He was a brilliant and pragmatic UNILAG-trained Mechanical Engineer.

He built that company successfully and even acquired other struggling competitor to further expand the business. Unfortunately , today his estate is no longer the majority owner of the company.

He died last year and a substantial part of his shares in his company has been sold by his children and family since he died last year. The new owner may later change the name of the company.

Ways waya... Azaman okay nah

Keep it up guys. Nice quality from Nigeria

I actually think Cutix and Coleman are the biggest cable manufacturers in the country.

I've never heard of most of the others on the list.

creolehunt:
I actually think Cutix and Coleman are the biggest cable manufacturers in the country.

I've never heard of most of the others on the list.

You're either not based in Lagos, Yorubaland or you are probably too young not to know MicCom Cables and Wires Limited. They are even arguably more popular than cutix and Coleman among real people especially in Lagos and Yorubaland.

A whole area around that Iyana Ipaja-Abule Egba axis is the Ponle/MicCom Cables and Wires Limited area and the company's imposing edifice is along the Lagos-Abeokuta express way.

They have an international golf course in the Founder's hometown in Osun. I think Ada or so.

There's also Nigeria Wire & Cable Plc. owned by defunct Western Region's Oodua Group now owned by the 6 SW states of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Oṣun, Ekiti and Ondo

FreeStuffsNG:
The late Founder of Cutix is a Akokite. He was a brilliant and pragmatic UNILAG-trained Mechanical Engineer.

He built that company successfully and even acquired other struggling competitor to further expand the business. Unfortunately , today his estate is longer the majority owner of the company.

He died last year and a substantial part of his shares in his company has been sold by his children and family since he died last year. The new owner may later change the name of the company.

.. that is why I like the private sector.they create a lot of jobs and boost the economy.. that is why government should provide a conducive environment for the private sector, investors, companies, industries to thrive and expand which it will also attract indigenious and foreign investors to invest in the country and set up businesses and industries for job creation and improving the economy

Quite commendable, I just found out mortgage rates can now go as low as 9.5% in Nigeria. NINE POINT FIVE.
Meanwhile, I've been paying rent that increases every year with nothing to show for it.
If you're tired of landlords and want to actually own something, 2026 might be your year. New digital platforms are making it easier than traditional banks.
https://www.thinkmint.ng/buyrealestate/what-middle-income-nigerians-should-know-about-new-mortgage/

Zobis Cable sighted. The Young guy is doing very well.

He is the youngest among these.

No wire comes close to Coleman wires and cables in quality.

God bless you, Ọmọlúwàbí, Asiwaju Solomon Onafowokan.

Very impressive. Hope to be at the top one day

FreeStuffsNG:
You're either not based in Lagos, Yorubaland or you are probably too young not to know MicCom Cables and Wires Limited.

A whole area around that Iyana Ipaja-Abule Egba axis is the Ponle/MicCom Cables and Wires Limited area and the company's bold edifice is along the Lagos-Abeokuta express way. They have an international golf course in the Founder's hometown in Osun. I think Ada or so.

I ply this route everyday and never noticed the edifice before. Where along the road please?
If you don't mind.

I was expecting to see NOCACO on the list but I was disappointed at poor PR content, poorly research.

HelenaWills:
I ply this route everyday and never noticed the edifice before. Where along the road please?
If you don't mind.

Ask for Ponle.

The office complex is on your right exiting Lagos after Abule-Egbaor so. I think the portion of the expressway just ahead of it used to be very bad so road users make a detour for alternative road before or after their area when going to Ota/Abeokuta.

There's Ponle bus stop/area named after the Founder.

FreeStuffsNG:
You're either not based in Lagos, Yorubaland or you are probably too young not to know MicCom Cables and Wires Limited. They are even arguably more popular than cutix and Coleman among real people especially in Lagos and Yorubaland.

A whole area around that Iyana Ipaja-Abule Egba axis is the Ponle/MicCom Cables and Wires Limited area and the company's imposing edifice is along the Lagos-Abeokuta express way.

They have an international golf course in the Founder's hometown in Osun. I think Ada or so.

cutix and nigerchem others na today I dey hear their names for the first time

FreeStuffsNG:
You're either not based in Lagos, Yorubaland or you are probably too young not to know MicCom Cables and Wires Limited. They are even arguably more popular than cutix and Coleman among real people especially in Lagos and Yorubaland.

A whole area around that Iyana Ipaja-Abule Egba axis is the Ponle/MicCom Cables and Wires Limited area and the company's imposing edifice is along the Lagos-Abeokuta express way.

They have an international golf course in the Founder's hometown in Osun. I think Ada or so.

You dey try. I actually opened this thread because I hoped to find miccon cable on the list. I remember when obj commissioned his gulf hotel and resort at Ada. I was in ibokun this time last week for a wedding but couldn't go to the Gulf resort due to too much activities.

Afonja007:
cutix and nigerchem others na today I dey hear their names for the first time

Cutix is popular in eastern Nigeria. Likewise Zobis.

Svoboda:
Cutix is popular in eastern Nigeria. Likewise Zobis.

Your right anyway cutix for is number complete length

I have built over 50 houses with cutix cables, very very reliable, although costly.

Comestar I know who are the rest lolz just kidding just that I always recommend comestar for my clients

Afonja007:
cutix and nigerchem others na today I dey hear their names for the first time

the post is for those who buy wires and build!

Where is Nocaco? It's a top brand also

These are also high quality cable manufacturers,
1. Nexans kablemetal
2. Nigerchin cables

In northern Nigeria, the number one cable is NOCACO. NOCACO stands for Northern Cables Processing and Manufacturing Company Limited.

The company is headquartered in Kaduna with branches in Kano, Sokoto and Abuja.

The company is very well structured and one of the favourite places to work back then in Kaduna, providing employment for a lot of the populace.

I don't think any of the companies in the list is in its league. My brother in-law works there

Coleman's and Channels TV News are like 5 and 6.

Afonja007:
cutix and nigerchem others na today I dey hear their names for the first time

That means you hardly watch Channels News.

Armaggedon:
the post is for those who buy wires and build!

I just bought wire last week dey build my village mansion igbo person wey I be

OP just created this thread because of Zobis.

I get irritated when someone is trying too hard to force people on others.

Promote the company's products using the appropriate medium, not the CEO or owner.