CEO Coleman mulls tech investment, collaboration in energy sector to boost manufacturing sector

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Coleman Technical Industries Limited, Mr George Onafowokan, has advocated increased investment in technology and stronger collaboration across the oil and gas value chain to fast-track innovation and efficiency, others in order to boost the Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

Onafowokan made this submission while speaking on the theme, “Driving Energy Innovation: Technology-Powered Pathways for Oil and Gas,” during a panel session at the just concluded 25th NOG Energy Week Conference and Exhibition, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

He highlighted that technology has become the defining force shaping the future of the global energy industry, noting that digital transformation investment in the oil and gas sector is projected to grow significantly between 2025 and 2030.

He explained that manufacturing has evolved from being labour-intensive to technology-driven, with automation and digital systems boosting productivity while reducing operational inefficiencies.

The MD/CEO of Coleman Technical Industries Limited recalled that about three decades ago, his factory employed about 120 workers but produced less than one per cent of its current output.

According to him, “Today, through automation and technologies such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), we have embedded quality assurance, quality control, and health, safety and compliance into our production processes while significantly improving efficiency.”

Onafowokan underscored that modern production systems enable a single operator to manage equipment that previously required several workers, allowing manufacturers to achieve greater productivity with fewer personnel.

He stressed that advances in artificial intelligence and automation have shortened product design cycles, enhanced value engineering and improved price competitiveness.

He acknowledged the impact of technology on local manufacturing, adding that Coleman recently designed and produced a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) cable for an international oil company within four weeks, reducing the conventional six-month delivery period.

Onafowokan disclosed that the cable, previously imported from the United States, is now manufactured locally by Coleman and has been assessed by the client as outperforming the imported alternative.

“We are now the default producer of VFD cables for that international oil company, supplying its offshore facilities on a monthly basis. This demonstrates the long-term value of investing in technology despite the high initial costs,” he added.

He affirmed that collaboration remains critical to technological advancement, adding that no industry can succeed in isolation.

He mentioned Coleman’s partnership with a technology provider that initially questioned the company’s decision to build a data centre more than a decade ago.

He declared that the partnership has since expanded into artificial intelligence-driven data solutions and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), enabling real-time monitoring of production processes and improved operational efficiency.

He emphasized that strategic partnerships among manufacturers, technology firms, international oil companies and indigenous operators are essential to building a more efficient and competitive energy ecosystem.

He called on stakeholders to adopt a long-term approach to technology investment, insisting that the benefits far outweigh the initial capital outlay.

“The adoption and evolution of technology are not cheap, but the long-term value is enormous. As efficiency improves, productivity increases, competitiveness grows and the investment ultimately delivers stronger returns,” he stressed.

He also advocated increased investment in Manufacturing Execution Systems and collaborative initiatives that would reduce the cost of technology adoption across industries.

Onafowokan encouraged organisations to integrate technology development into their corporate social responsibility programmes to support innovation and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial ecosystem.

Other panellists at the session include: Group Managing Director/CEO of GIL Group, Engr. Gbolahan Lawal; Group General Manager, Commercial and Business Development, Oilserv Group, Engr. Cheta Okwuosa; Chief Executive Officer of Tolusi, Tosin Joel; and Transformation Manager, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Dilys-Ann Owen.