By; SANI ALIYU, Zaria
Leather export from Nigeria has been projected to generate over one billion Dollars in annual revenue by the year 2025.
The Director General, Nigerian Institute ot Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) Zaria, Professor Muhammad Kabir Yakubu disclosed this at the 6th Annual Conference of Society of Leather Technologists and Chemists of Nigeria (SLTCN) held at the Institute.
Represented by the Director Research and Development, Malam Mohammed Mustapha Bashir, he said, it will make it a cash cow in the non oil sector of the economy.
Prof. Yakubu said many leather industries have been shut down with less than 14 tanneries managing to exist at various levels of operation.
According to him, several reasons have been adduced to be responsible for this trend, amongst which is the inappropriate consumption of animal skin which essentially is the principal raw material for the leather industry.
He said, “aside the economic indiscretion of having animal skin in our menu, you will agree that the health and environmental hazards associated with the handling and processing of this needless delicacy widely known as”PONMO” or “GANDA” should be of concern to us and our nation.”
The Director General maintained that he will continue to encourage staff to undertake research in those relevant areas of the industry that would help fast-track and consolidate the overall objectives of the Leather Policy in Nigeria.
He said, NILEST is willing to partner with the ministry and. other professional bodies or groups interested in any scientific research endeavor that would enhance the growth and diversification of Nigeria’s economy.
In his welcome address, the National President of the association, Dr. Putshaka D. Julius said the theme of the conference was choosen to tally with the current globalization.
Dr. Julius added that as the world and society are moving digital, it is important to move leather technology to digital economy.
He said very soon, they will organise symposium for public awareness and it will go down to secondary schools to sensitize them on the importance of leather technology.
Also in his remarks, the LOC Chairman, Dr. Danladi Akafyi said, the organization is a very tasking assignment and with God on their side, the programme has taken place.
Dr. Akafya said the theme of this year’s conference was titled, “Digital and Technological Transformations of Nigeria’s Leather and Leather Products Industry: A Key to Productive Employment and Economic Growth”, which iis apt.
