Nigeria is on track to generate an estimated $1 billion from its leather and leather products by 2025, provided the industry is effectively managed and developed.
This ambitious projection was shared by Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, during a recent summit titled “Enhancing Nigeria’s Leather Market for Optimal and Sustainable Economic Growth.”
The event, organized by the National Steering Committee on Leather and Leather Products Policy Implementation Plan, in collaboration with the Kwara State Government, took place in Ilorin.
Represented at the summit by Esuabana Nko-Asanye, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Nnaji emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration to achieve the industry’s growth targets.
He stressed the need for improved animal care and quality feeding to enhance the quality of hides and skins, ensuring that Nigerian leather products meet international export standards.
The Minister also highlighted the federal government’s commitment to revitalizing the leather industry to make it more viable and efficient. Nnaji’s vision includes not only boosting economic growth but also creating a robust infrastructure to support the sector’s development.
In his address, AbdulRahman AbdulRazq, the Kwara State Governor, represented by Damilola Yusuf-Adelodun, the State Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, echoed the sentiment that the leather sub-sector holds significant potential for national revenue.
AbdulRazq noted that the summit would enhance participants’ knowledge, fostering improvements in leather work and research within the country.
Professor Muhammed Yakubu, the Director General of the Nigeria Institute of Leather Science and Technology, called for sustainable funding for the nation’s leather research.
He also urged the state government to support local production of leather goods to provide employment opportunities for Nigeria’s growing youth population.
Igili Andrew, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of the Leather and Leather Product Summit, added that there are ongoing efforts to discourage the consumption of cowhide and skin, which will further contribute to the sector’s development.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s leather industry is set for substantial growth, with the potential to significantly contribute to the nation’s economy by 2025. Through effective stakeholder collaboration, enhanced animal care practices, and support for local production, the country can position itself as a leading player in the global leather market.
