Director General of The Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology Leads Leather Policy Committee to Minister of Industry, Seeks Collaboration on Value Chain Development

The Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST), Dr. Auwal Mustapha Imam, has led the National Steering Committee on the Implementation of the Strategic Plan on Leather and Leather Products Policy Implementation to a high-level meeting with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment in Abuja.

The delegation, received by the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, discussed the critical role of the leather industry in Nigeria’s industrialization and economic growth. The meeting, held on Wednesday at the minister’s office, emphasized strategies to enhance the country’s leather value chain and boost its contribution to national development.

Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Imam highlighted that the Leather Policy Implementation Plan is designed to drive economic diversification by reducing Nigeria’s dependence on oil revenues. He further stressed that the initiative aims to promote the export of high-quality leather products to generate foreign exchange, create employment opportunities across the value chain, and empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for inclusive economic growth.

“The implementation of this policy is key to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s leather sector. We are committed to ensuring that leather and leather products contribute significantly to national revenue, employment generation, and industrial development,” Dr. Imam stated.

In his remarks, Senator John Owan Enoh reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment’s commitment to supporting the committee’s objectives. He assured that the ministry would actively engage affiliated agencies to implement policies that will maximize the benefits of Nigeria’s thriving leather industry.

The collaboration between NILEST and the ministry is expected to pave the way for greater investments and innovations in the leather sector, positioning Nigeria as a leading player in the global leather market.