An industrial leather processing and manufacturing hub commissioned on Saturday in Mushin, Lagos, is projected to create 10,000 jobs and generate $250 million in annual export earnings when fully operational.
The state-of-the-art factory, built by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, was inaugurated by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during her three-day working visit to Lagos.
Named in honour of the First Lady, the Oluremi Tinubu Leather Hub will serve as a one-stop centre for artisans, providing modern equipment for the mass production of shoes, bags, belts, packaging materials and other leather products. About 70 per cent of job opportunities in the facility have been reserved for women and youths.
Speaking at the commissioning, Senator Tinubu described the hub as a “trailblazing project” that reinforces Lagos’ reputation as the heartbeat of innovation and enterprise. She noted that the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of diversifying the economy through industrialisation, manufacturing and creative enterprise.
“The hub will serve as a centre for leather processing, footwear production and specialised training, enabling artisans to add greater value to their craft and compete confidently in both local and international markets,” she said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the facility would boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports, strengthen small and medium enterprises, and provide over 150,000 artisans with access to training and start-up support.
“The leather hub will be a vital anchor in transforming ideas into tangible products that can compete globally. Hides and skins that once left our shores unprocessed will now be transformed here in Lagos into world-class footwear, garments, and accessories proudly stamped Made in Lagos, Made in Nigeria,” the governor said.
Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, added that with modern technology and shared production spaces, artisans would now be able to produce higher-quality leather goods at lower costs and to global standards.