Mushin Leather Hub To Provide 10,000 Jobs
By Felix Kuyinu
The Lagos State Government has promised to provide jobs to 10,000 inhabitants of the state following the commissioning of a newly built industrial leather processing company in the area.
The state government disclosed that the facility in Mushin area, projected to position Lagos as the leather logistics capital in West Africa would generate direct jobs for clusters of artisans operating across the leather production value chain
The government informed that the initiative will bolster social investment and economic empowerment at the grassroots level, thereby, ensuring more developments in the state.
While commissioning the factory on Saturday, the First Lady of the federal republic of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, said that it is equipped with modern technology to optimise capacity in the ecosystem, capable of providing solutions to challenges faced by Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, MSME’s that struggle to meet bulk orders due to limited equipment and capacity.
Tinubu noted that the industrial leatherwork machinery installed for mass production of shoes, bags, belts, packaging bags and other leather products would further reinforce Lagos State’s reputation as a trailblazer, the heartbeat of innovation and enterprise of the country.
“This trailblazing project is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accelerate diversification through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, manufacturing and innovation in order to create a dynamic and diverse economic landscape,” Tinubu said.
“Leather work is a traditional craft that has stood the test of time. 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.”
“This project is a symbol representing how the government and citizens could work together to turn challenges into opportunities and create a prosperity pathway for citizens.”
The First-Lady encouraged the participants saying, “Those who would utilise the facility, including artisans, entrepreneurs, and woman traders should take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the hub.
“Those who will work directly in this space must dedicate themselves to excellence, hard work, and embrace continuous learning and position their products to compete in the global market.”
The Governor of the state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stated that more than 150,000 artisans would benefit from cutting-edge training and start-up support offered by the hub to ensure talent optimisation.
Sanwo-Olu held that the export earnings from the hub is expected to be higher than $250 million annually when the hub becomes fully operational.
“The leather hub will undoubtedly will enhance market competitiveness, attract investments, and ultimately improve the standard of living for many Lagosians.
“Building on the momentum of the non-oil export boom, the facility being commissioned today further strengthens our resolve to diversify Nigeria’s economy beyond oil. The leather hub will be a vital anchor in transforming ideas into tangible products that can compete globally. This is a promise that an enterprising artisan from a modest background can now dream bigger, knowing that the tools, the mentorship, and the market are within his reach.”
The Governor pledged that his administration would protect and expand the leather production asset through transparent regulation and continuous infrastructure upgrades, adding that his government would deepen the leather ecosystem by linking the hub to fashion districts, e-commerce platforms, and rail services to ensure seamless movement of goods and people.
He said: “From today, hides and skins that once left our shores unprocessed will be transformed here in Lagos into world-class footwear, garments, and accessories proudly stamped ‘Made in Lagos, Made in Nigeria’.
“We will measure our success not by headlines, but by the number of households lifted above poverty through this initiative. True dividends of democracy are best felt when they reach the cobbler in Mushin, the tanner in Oko-Oba, and the young fashion designer in Yaba.”
