By Bello Hamza, Abuja
The Director General of Nigerian Institute of Leather Science and Technology (NILEST) Zaria, Professor M. K. Yakubu has explain why the institute will continue to champion the campaign to discourage Nigerian against the consumption of raw hides and skins (Ponmo) in Nigeria, saying that if all Leather Stakeholders are involved in this campaign, there will be enough leather to produce leather products in the country, especially now that the Institute is collaborating with the Military for research, development, design and production of military footwear for the Armed Forces of Nigeria. These and many other interventions by NILEST have revived the nation’s economy, reduce capital flight, improve security, create employment and wealth as well as promote made-in-Nigeria goods.
The Director General who is also the chairman, National Steering Committee on Strategic Implementation plan of leather and leather products policy in Nigeria, made the statement at the leather business to business summit and expo holding from 26TH-28TH September, 2022 at Adeyemi Bero hall, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos
He said, the Implementation plan reflects the renewed commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Stakeholders and Actors in the leather industry to the development of Leather Industry. This Leather Business to Business (B2B) summit is part of the actualization of the National Leather and Leather Products Policy Implementation Plan. ‘’As you are already aware, if this Leather Policy is fully implemented in Nigeria, it will bring about increase in industrial growth, economic diversification, job and wealth creation, the nation’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP), productivity, local and export market. It will also enhance reduction in capital flight, promotion of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), and strengthen intra/inter relationship between private, public and international leather organizations” he concluded.
