Nigeria's Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, has announced plans to revitalize the country's leather industry by promoting the local production of shoes, belts, and bags. He emphasized the importance of establishing centralized abattoirs and skin collection centers to maximize the use of hides and skins.
Maiha pointed out that proper processing of animals would not only ensure hygienic meat production but also provide essential raw materials for the leather sector. He highlighted the economic losses associated with consuming hides as food, explaining that this practice limits the industry's potential. "When we eat hides, we're essentially consuming shoes, bags, and belts that could have been produced locally," he stated.
Additionally, Maiha cautioned against the dangerous practice of burning animal skins with kerosene, advocating for safer processing methods instead. He estimated that the leather industry could create 700,000 jobs and generate N23 billion in revenue.
This initiative aligns with Nigeria's ambition to become a major player in the global leather industry. Given that the country is already one of the largest producers of leather and finished leather products in Africa, there is significant growth potential.
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