The Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has pledged to deepen its partnership with Coleman Technical Industries Limited, with a focus on expanding local manufacturing capacity and developing Nigerian content.
Adeleye Falade, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, made the commitment during a tour of Coleman’s manufacturing facilities in Sagamu and Arepo, Ogun State.
Falade expressed surprise at the scale of Coleman’s operations, its investment in machinery and equipment, and the professionalism of its workforce.
Describing the experience as “mind-blowing,” the NLNG chief said the facilities demonstrated what Nigerian businesses could achieve through sustained investment, innovation and commitment. “I’m not sure I was prepared for what I saw. I mean, that’s the honest truth. I’d seen a few of Coleman events, and I knew that something remarkable is going on, but I don’t think any of that prepared me for what I saw,” Falade said.
Falade said NLNG and Coleman already had an established business relationship, adding that there was significant room to expand the partnership beyond 2027. “We’re already in partnership. That partnership will only expand. There is scope; there is opportunity,” he said.
He said NLNG was also exploring ways of connecting Nigerian manufacturers with international projects, including opportunities linked to vessel construction for the company.
According to him, Nigerian-made products can compete in global markets when manufacturers demonstrate the required quality, reliability and value.
Falade said NLNG would continue to support opportunities capable of growing Nigerian businesses, creating jobs and deepening local content.
The NLNG CEO described Coleman’s facilities as a source of pride for Nigeria, saying the company had demonstrated strong operational standards and significant local manufacturing capacity.
He also commended Coleman’s leadership, particularly its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, George Onafowokan, and Executive Director, Michael Onafowokan, for building what he described as a business with the characteristics of a world-class organisation.
Responding, Onafowokan described Falade’s visit as an endorsement of the longstanding relationship between NLNG and Coleman, as well as the energy company’s commitment to local content development.
He said Coleman had benefited from NLNG’s local content initiatives, including its participation in major NLNG projects such as Train 7.
Onafowokan said Coleman’s transformation from a family-owned business into a multinational and generational company had been driven by its confidence in Nigerian talent and the country’s industrial capacity.
According to him, Coleman’s growth reflects a broader Nigerian story, demonstrating that locally owned businesses can develop world-class products and operate advanced manufacturing facilities from Nigeria.
He thanked the NLNG chief executive for the visit and the positive assessment of Coleman’s operations, saying the engagement would further encourage the company to invest in its people, facilities and production capacity.
Onafowokan added that Coleman remained committed to contributing to Nigeria’s industrial development through local manufacturing, skills development and increased production capacity.
