Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has announced the commissioning of a leather processing and manufacturing hub, named after Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu in the Mushin area of Lagos today.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement on his X page on Saturday, said the facility, a public-private initiative, aims to transform the state’s leather industry by enabling large-scale production, creating jobs, and boosting export earnings.
According to him, the hub is expected to create 10,000 direct jobs and benefit over 150,000 artisans across the state.
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He added that in a move to empower local communities and align with the First Lady’s advocacy, 70% of the jobs at the facility are reserved for women and young people.
Sanwo-Olu said the hub is designed to produce a wide range of leather goods, including shoes, bags, belts, and other accessories, at a scale that was previously unattainable for small businesses.
This integrated approach will allow for hides and skins, which were often exported raw, to now be processed and manufactured into finished products within Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu expressed his vision for the facility, stating that its success would be measured not just by economic output but by the positive impact on individual artisans and designers.
He highlighted the potential for increased earnings for local cobblers, steady work for tanners, and new opportunities for young designers to expand their brands globally.
He projected that the hub will generate over $250 million in annual export earnings, contributing significantly to both the Lagos and Nigerian economies.
The products manufactured at the facility will carry the stamp “Made in Lagos, Made in Nigeria”, promoting national pride and quality craftsmanship on the international stage.
He said the state industrial leather hub project was first conceived in 2020, and construction commenced the following year at the Matori Industrial Estate in Mushin.
“Today, we are proud to witness its fruition. The hub comprises two principal sections. The first is the production area, equipped with ultra-modern industrial leatherwork machinery capable of mass-producing shoes, bags, belts, and other high-quality leather products.
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“The second is a commercial and business development area. This section houses shops, showrooms, training rooms, workstations, and offices thoughtfully designed to inspire creativity, foster enterprise, and support the growth of our artisans and entrepreneurs.
“The Lagos State Industrial Leather Hub is a testament to our shared belief in the potential of Lagosians and our commitment to building industries that generate employment, stimulate innovation, and strengthen the economy of our state”, Sanwo-Olu added.
