By Grace Oakhiena
Edo State, Nigeria – In a bold move to empower local businesses engaged in leatherworks and propel them into the global market, the Edo State Government has pledged unwavering support. The commitment was underscored during the 3-day Edo Leather Business To Business Summit and Fair, a collaborative effort between the National Steering Committee on Leather, the Edo State Government, and Nigerian Leather Stakeholders, held under the theme “Innovative Leather Brands to Enhance Made-in-Nigeria Products.”
Mr Kelvin Uwaibi, the Managing Director of Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), wearing a striking all-made-in-Nigeria attire, delivered a passionate address that resonated with the aspirations of the leather industry in Edo State.
“If we harness the abundant resources available for leatherworks in Nigeria, we will become a force to be reckoned with in the global arena,” declared Uwaibi. His presentation delved into the pivotal elements of leatherworks, encompassing People, Processes, Physical Evidence, and Performance.
Uwaibi emphasised the critical need to bolster capacity within the Nigerian leather industry, transcending the boundaries of the private sector to encompass government initiatives. “We must invest in developing the skills of our young professionals within the industry, enabling them to compete at a global production standard,” he asserted.
Furthermore, Uwaibi highlighted the Edo State Government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the capacity of the local leatherworks sector. He urged stakeholders to present their plans, promising swift action within 90 days. “Training institutions must be empowered to furnish data on the number of trainees in leatherworks and their proficiency levels,” he added, urging a proactive approach in data provision.
Acknowledging the significance of the event’s organizers, Uwaibi called upon them to formulate a communique that highlights actionable, short and long-term deliverables.
In line with the discussion on skill enhancement, Uwaibi advocated for tailored, world-class training modules aligned with the demographic needs of the burgeoning youth population. “I firmly believe that those in this room possess the capacity to help Nigeria attain its $1 billion market share target by 2025,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of establishing robust processes from the outset.
Uwaibi further emphasised the economic potential of leatherworks, saying, “Nigeria cannot afford to ignore the goldmine that is the leather industry, particularly in these challenging economic times.”
Another focal point was the need to prepare for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) and strengthen trade relations with continental neighbours. Uwaibi cited Edo’s sizable population of 8 million people, surpassing that of Botswana with 2 million, as evidence of Nigeria’s immense potential.
He concluded by encouraging the adoption of technological advancements to enhance customer service and overall brand efficiency. Uwaibi urged the formulation of supportive policies, pointing to the success story of the oil palm industry as an example of government-backed productivity and job creation.
The summit saw the presence of prominent organizations and local brands, including the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), the Lagos State Shoemakers Association, the Leather Products Manufacturers Association of Abia State, Edo State Skills Development Agency (EdoJOBS), the Edo State Ministry of Business, Trade, and Cooperatives, the Association of Leather and Allied Industrialists of Nigeria (ALAIN), the Nigerian Institute of Science Technology Zaria, the Cobblers and Leather Artisans Association of Nigeria, and numerous other local brands from across Nigeria.
Throughout the summit, various speakers reiterated the importance of boosting production, embracing best practices, and infusing innovation into Nigeria’s leather industry. As Edo State champions this endeavour, it marks a significant step toward positioning Nigeria as a formidable player in the global leather market.
