The Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has urged the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) to provide in-depth statistical data on the sector’s operations to aid in the revitalization and expansion of Nigeria’s leather industry.
Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja, during a courtesy visit by NILEST’s Director General and CEO, Dr. Avwal Mustapha Imam, Mukhtar emphasized that the availability of accurate and detailed data is crucial for building a robust strategy to grow the leather sector and enhance its global competitiveness.
“The first step in expanding the leather value chain is understanding where we stand today. We need concrete data on leather production – how many companies are manufacturing shoes in Nigeria? What is the current stage of our leather exports? Do we face challenges with raw materials? And what is the production capacity in key regions such as Aba, Nnewi, and Sokoto?” Mukhtar stated.
Highlighting the substantial opportunities within Nigeria’s domestic market, Mukhtar pointed out that the country’s population, which exceeds 250 million, including around 40 million schoolchildren, presents a significant consumer base for leather goods. This, he believes, is a critical factor in unlocking the sector’s potential.
The Minister however, underscored the importance of data on skin collection centers, especially during peak seasons like Sallah when hides and skins are abundant.
Mukhtar projected that, with targeted investments and strategic development, the leather industry could potentially create up to 700,000 jobs across the nation.
“In order to transform this sector, we need a clear, data-driven approach. The Nigerian leather industry holds enormous potential. However, unlocking this potential requires a collaborative effort, supported by accurate information and targeted investments,” Mukhtar added.
Dr. Avwal Mustapha Imam, NILEST’s DG/CEO, agreed with the Minister’s assessment, noting that despite the abundant livestock population, there are still significant gaps in the data concerning production and consumption. He emphasized that these gaps pose a challenge to optimizing the sector’s full economic potential.
“Nigeria has one of the largest livestock populations in Africa, presenting vast opportunities for the leather industry. But in order to fully capitalize on these opportunities, it is vital that we address the inconsistencies in production and consumption data,” Imam explained.
The DG/CEO also outlined several key areas where NILEST and the Ministry could collaborate to enhance the sector’s performance. These include the development of a comprehensive leather value chain, the implementation of the National Leather and Leather Products Policy, and strengthening NILEST’s capacity to drive research, innovation, and training in leather technology.
Imam also pointed to a report from the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), which estimates that Nigeria’s leather industry could generate up to $1 billion in revenue by 2025.
He called for a more concerted effort from the Ministry and NILEST to address the sector’s challenges and improve its contribution to the country’s GDP.
Furthermore, the Minister assured NILEST of the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the leather sector’s growth, stressing the need for a well-coordinated approach to create a globally competitive industry that benefits both the Nigerian economy and its people.
