ABUJA – (Federal Ministry of Science & Technology Report) – The Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu (Dr) has said that the Nigerian leather industry generates revenue for the country valued between $600 to $800 million annually.
Ogbonnaya Onu disclosed this during the National Leather and Leather Products Policy Implementation Plan Validation Workshop which held in Abuja on Monday October 7, 2019. The Minister who was represented by the Minister of State for Science and Technology, Abdullahi Mohammed (Barr) further said that there is urgent need to implement the National Leather and Leather Product Policy, in order to boost leather production as a source of revenue for the country.
“Leather has a global market size of about $20 billion traded annually and with lots of abounding opportunities. Relevant stakeholders in the leather and leather products industry should ensure that all hands are on deck towards achieving success in the Leather Policy and eventual benefits from the Nigeria’s enormous potentials.
The leather Industry according to Dr. Onu is strategic in the development of NigeriaÂ’s economy, due to substantial export earnings and value and the enormous employment opportunities it provides. He also said that leather has the potential of successfully increasing NigeriaÂ’s foreign earnings. Adding, to achieve this feat, there is need for value addition in NigeriaÂ’s leather value – chain, in order to upgrade its position in the regional and global leather trade by communities.
He tasked leather industry stakeholders to initiate visionary and creative strategies, which would fast-track NigeriaÂ’s move from a resource – based to a knowledge – based and innovation – driven economy.
“This will help Nigeria to fast-track the process that will enable it become self-reliant in indigenous technology capacity,” he mentioned.
Earlier, the Acting Director – General of the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST), Eucharia Oparah (Dr) hinted that the workshop has provided opportunities for major key players to interact, cross fertilize ideas and exchange information that will contribute to the growth of the leather sector in the country.
On his part, the Senate Committee Chairman on Science and Technology, Uche Ekwunife noted that the workshop was necessary, in order to take the leather industries in the country to greater heights.heights She further commended the Ministry and the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) for piloting the actualization of the policy and its implementation plan for the development of leather policy in Nigeria.
