Cutix Plc, one of Nigeria’s foremost NGX-listed cable manufacturers, is demonstrating its commitment to safety and quality at the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) 2026. The company’s presence at the exhibition underscores its role in addressing the pervasive issue of fire outbreaks caused by substandard electrical cables in Nigeria.
The scourge of substandard cables
Fires linked to fake and substandard electrical cables have become a recurring tragedy in Nigeria. According to a report from a meeting between the Federal Fire Service and major cable manufacturers, published by The Guardian Nigeria on September 9, 2020, over 70% of fire outbreaks in the country are attributable to such cables. Inferior conductors often contain impure copper, leading to excessive resistance, overheating, and dangerous sparking. When these failures occur at night or in unattended buildings, the consequences can be devastating, resulting in loss of life and extensive property damage.
A report by THE WHISTLER further quantified the scale of the problem: between 2021 and 2025, Nigeria lost an estimated ₦3.2 trillion worth of property and 388 lives to fire outbreaks. The report detailed that in 2021, there were 2,845 fire incidents resulting in 136 deaths, while 2022 saw a slight increase to 2,860 incidents with 81 fatalities. Although the number of incidents decreased after 2022, the human cost rose significantly in 2025, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety measures.
Cutix Plc: A legacy of uncompromising quality
Cutix Plc, established on November 4, 1982, by Engr. Obiajulu Uzodike in Nnewi, Anambra State, has built a reputation for adhering to stringent quality standards. Unlike some manufacturers who reduce conductor diameter while increasing insulation thickness to appear compliant, Cutix consistently meets prescribed specifications. For instance, a 1.0 mm² cable requires a conductor diameter of approximately 1.13 mm, and a 1.5 mm² cable requires approximately 1.38 mm—standards that Cutix follows without compromise.
The company’s insulation technology sets it apart. All Cutix cable insulators are fire-retardant, designed to self-extinguish within 0-1 seconds after the external fire source is removed. Additionally, Cutix offers Halogen-Free Flame Retardant (HFFR) insulation upon customer request, which contains no halogen-based additives and minimizes flame propagation. While Nigerian standards permit flame spread up to 250 millimetres per minute, Cutix targets a maximum of approximately 65 millimetres per second. The insulation is also free from lead-based materials, reducing toxic smoke emissions that can cause unconsciousness and respiratory issues during fires.
Economic and human impact
The economic toll of fire outbreaks is substantial. In 2022 alone, THE WHISTLER reported an estimated property loss of ₦69.4 billion, though property valued at approximately ₦593.9 billion was saved through firefighting efforts. These figures underscore the importance of prevention through quality products.
Speaking at the company’s headquarters in Nnewi, the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Uche Igbokwe, explained the company’s philosophy: “Cutix Plc, as a legacy company, ensures that every product passes through stringent local and international standards assessments. We are proud that our products consistently conform to all relevant standards. Real quality does not compromise; therefore, we do not compromise on quality, just as we do not compromise on pricing that reflects such quality.” She concluded, “If you import a foreign brand with a quality standard similar to ours, after currency conversion to Naira, the selling price would most likely exceed ours. As an organisation quoted on the Nigerian Exchange, we are subject to extensive regulatory and statutory scrutiny, which enhances consumer and investor protection. We recognise that safety comes at a cost.”
Testimonials from the field
An electrician based in Agbor, Delta State, Mr John Arimokwu Onyeoghani, shared his experience: “As an electrician, I can confidently say that Cutix cables are among the best available in the market. From a business perspective, they are almost too reliable because customers rarely return with cable-related issues after installation. The cables are flexible, easy to work with during installation, and deliver consistent performance. In fact, Cutix is the brand I used in my own home.”
Recognition and standards
Cutix Plc operates a dedicated Quality Control & Assurance department and holds certifications under the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria’s Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP). The company has received numerous accolades, including recognition by the Financial Times and Statista as one of “Africa’s Fastest Growing Companies,” the “Corporate Brand of the Year 2026 Award,” the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) award for “Adopter of International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB),” and the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) “Employee Compensation Award” in 2025. Other awards include the “Excellence in Manufacturing Award” 2022 from the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the “Industrial Giant Award” by Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering in 2022, the “Best World Class Cable Manufacturing Company of the Decade” in 2022, and the “Innovation Award of Excellence” for Cross-Linked Polyethylene-Low Voltage Power Armored and Non-Armored Cable Manufacturing in 2021.
Showcasing at AIHS 2026
Cutix Plc is currently showcasing its innovative cable products at AIHS 2026, an international exhibition bringing together thousands of housing stakeholders from around the world. The company’s stand is MB15. For more information, visit www.cutixplc.com.ng or follow on social media: Instagram @cutix_cables, Threads @cutixcables, X @cutixcables, TikTok @cutixcables, LinkedIn @cutixplc, and YouTube @cutixplc.
