The Federal Government of Nigeria has raised alarms over the continued neglect of the leather industry, emphasizing its significant untapped potential to generate a staggering ₦23 billion and create over 700,000 jobs nationwide. According to the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, the country is missing out on a lucrative sector that could not only boost the economy but also provide employment opportunities, as locally sourced hides and skins are being wasted or consumed in ways that could otherwise fuel a thriving leather production industry.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In a candid interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Maiha pointed out that rather than turning animal hides into valuable leather products such as shoes, belts, and bags, Nigerians are instead consuming them as food. “If I tell you now, we are eating shoes, we are eating bags, we are eating belts, somebody begins to wonder, why do you say I’m eating my shoes? I’m eating my bags, I’m eating my belts. Of course, these are hides and skins that we are eating,” Maiha stated, underscoring the wastefulness of the current system.
Unlocking Nigeria’s Export Potential Through Leather
Beyond the domestic market, the minister also highlighted the opportunity for Nigeria to tap into the global leather market by exporting high-quality leather products. This move could earn the country substantial foreign exchange. By improving the processing of hides and skins, Nigeria could easily become a key player in the global leather market, producing and exporting leather products such as shoes, bags, and belts to international markets.
Several states in Nigeria, including Kano, Lagos, and Ogun, already have strong livestock industries, producing large volumes of hides and skins. If the country can improve its infrastructure—particularly through the establishment of centralized abattoirs and skin collection centers—it could significantly increase its leather exports. This strategy would not only contribute to the diversification of Nigeria’s export base but also provide a steady stream of foreign exchange, which is crucial for economic stability.
The Need for Safe and Efficient Processing Methods
One of the critical challenges the leather industry faces in Nigeria is the unsafe and unhygienic methods used in processing animal hides. Maiha pointed out the dangers of using kerosene to burn skins, which pose significant health risks. He advocated for the adoption of safer and more efficient methods to ensure that hides are processed hygienically, preserving the raw materials for high-quality leather products.
To address this issue, the minister stressed the need for more centralized animal processing units. “For you to optimize skin collection, you need a central animal processing unit,” Maiha said, emphasizing that this would not only ensure the preservation of hides but also improve the overall meat production process in the country.
Success Stories in Domestic Footwear Production
Maiha also shared success stories from Nigerian cities like Maiduguri and Aba, where local factories are already producing high-quality footwear. In these cities, local factories are making shoes, including specialized jungle boots used by the Nigerian armed forces. These success stories demonstrate that Nigeria has the capacity to produce footwear and other leather products locally, thus reducing the reliance on imports.
Many of the shoes and leather goods that Nigeria currently imports could be made domestically, and this could lead to significant cost savings. The minister encouraged Nigerians to support locally made products, which would help save foreign exchange and stimulate the local economy by providing jobs and promoting entrepreneurship.
The Path Forward: Leveraging Local Hides for National Growth
To unlock the full potential of the leather industry, Nigeria needs to establish a structured system for the processing and utilization of hides and skins. The establishment of a robust leather production sector could lead to the creation of thousands of jobs, particularly in the leather production hubs of Kano, Ogun, Lagos, and other states with strong livestock industries. Moreover, with the right infrastructure, Nigeria could increase its leather exports and become a leading exporter of leather goods in Africa.
By capitalizing on its natural resources, improving processing techniques, and embracing locally produced leather products, Nigeria can not only boost its leather industry but also secure a brighter economic future. The leather sector represents a huge opportunity for economic diversification, job creation, and enhanced foreign exchange earnings.
