…to create 10,000 jobs
Nigeria’s leather industry is set to receive a boost as Lagos unveils a 150,000-capacity hub to empower artisans, promote locally made leather goods and create job opportunities across the value chain for its citizens.
Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s first lady who unveiled the 150,000 capacity Lagos Leather Hub on Saturday, describe it as a proof that the state is a trailblazer, the heartbeat of innovation and enterprise in Nigeria.
She said the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at accelerating diversification through industrialisation, digitalisation, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation, to create a dynamic and diverse economic landscape.
“Leatherworking is a traditional craft that has stood the test of time. I’m informed this hub will serve as a centre for leather processing, footwear production, and specialised training, enabling artisans to add great value to their craft and compete competently in both local and international markets.
“I urge those utilising this facility, artisans, entrepreneurs, and youth, to take advantage of the opportunities. Dedicate yourselves to excellence, hard work, continuous learning, and good works to compete in the global market,” she said.
Tinubu further said, “As we unveil this hub today, let us use it as a beacon of responsibility, a symbol of how the government and citizens can work together to turn challenges into opportunities and create prosperity for our people.”
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos State, said the hub is first of its kind in Nigeria, and represents a gateway to global competitiveness, to Nigeria’s leather value chain.
“It is a launch-pad to thousands of decent jobs and a shining example of the power of visionary governance and proposal partnership between the federal government and the state government.
“From today, the hides and the skins that once left our shores unprocessed, they will here be transformed into world-class footwear, garments and accessories that will be stamped as made in Lagos, Nigeria, for the world market,” he said.
Read also: Abia to train 1,220 youths in garment, leather works skills
Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the facility will boost the local economy by creating jobs, fostering innovation, and providing a platform for small and medium-sized enterprises to grow.
“It will enhance market competitiveness, it will attract investment, and improve the standard of living of many Lagosians around here.
“The building of this monument of a non-oil export earlier held in a week in Lagos, this commissioning further strengthens our resolve to the economy, which will be a vital anchor to the transformation of our ideas into a tangible product that can compete globally,” he said.
Besides, the governor said the hub will create about 10,000 direct and indirect jobs in the next three years, with over 70 percent will be reserved for women and the youth.
“More than 150,000 artisans nationwide will benefit from the cutting-edge training and start-up support, ensuring that no talent will be left behind. We expect that it will promote the exports market.
“We see over the next couple of years, exports of over $200 million will be projected annually from this hub when it becomes fully operational, and it will help to position Lagos as the leader logistics hub in West Africa,” he noted.
Bolaji Adebajo, the managing director of Kharis Engineering Services Ltd, the contractor in charge of the project said the hub which is one of its kind in West Africa will help Nigeria save a lot of foreign exchange by reducing the number of people going to China to produce leather works; besides creating employment for youth.
“The shoe factory is designed to produce about 3,000 shoes per day, which will cater for security, school children, and virtually any other shoes you want to make.
One of the main reasons for the hub is to reduce the importation of shoes, bags and belts into Nigeria, which takes away a lot of foreign exchange.
“This will reduce the number of people going to China to produce, whatever they are taking to China, we can actually produce them here,” he said.
Besides, he said that Nigeria’s leather chain has over a million people in that industry, hence, the hub will generate about 100,000 people per annum; boosting employment rate.
“It will reduce the number of people on the streets, and bring more employment to the industry, especially the youth that are very creative,” he noted.
Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, Lagos State commissioner of wealth creation and employment, said the hub is more than just a production centre, but a hub for collaboration.
“It will serve as a rally ground for creatives, MSMEs, investors and industry stakeholders, forming an ecosystem where ideas are extinguished, partnerships forged and opportunities unlocked,” he said.
Moreover, Ajigbotafe emphasised that knowledge will be transferred, skills refined and dreams nurtured into sustainable enterprises.
“With this facility, our artisans can now produce higher quality goods, lower their costs and embrace innovative designs that will meet both local and international standards,” he noted.
The leather industry is a significant contributor to Nigeria’s economy, particularly in non-oil exports and job creation. It is estimated to generate $600 to $800 million annually through leather exports, according to Business and Economics in Developing Countries (BEDC).
