SON Repositions Nigeria’s Leather and Textile Sector to Tap Into $1 Trillion Global Market

The Nigerian leather sector has historically faced challenges such as poor quality control, lack of skilled manpower, and inadequate infrastructure. These issues have hindered its contribution to the national economy. However, with SON’s interventions and a focus on standardization, there is potential for significant growth and increased global competitiveness.

At a recent stakeholders’ sensitization and capacity-building workshop held in Aba, Abia State, SON’s Director-General/CEO, Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to advancing the sector. Represented by Chukwuma Aharanwa, Director for South-East Regional Operations, Okeke emphasized the inclusion of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in developing standards, enabling them to produce globally competitive goods.

“Our local manufacturers now produce high-quality leather products like shoes, belts, and handbags that can rival international brands,” Okeke stated. He further highlighted the alignment of this initiative with SON’s broader goals of fostering economic growth and increasing government revenue while enhancing global market access for Nigerian products.

Boosting Competitiveness through Standardization

Okeke stressed that adhering to international standards is crucial for Nigerian products to overcome trade barriers, reduce rejection in international markets, and support the government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda. “We have trained manufacturers on anti-trade barriers, quality assurance, and accessibility to global standards to ensure that Nigerian products meet international requirements,” he added.

Stakeholders’ Reactions

The workshop brought together over 730 participants, including leather manufacturers, MSMEs, and industry experts, to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the sector. Stakeholders expressed optimism about the initiative, particularly in addressing issues like substandard materials and the use of banned chemicals.

Mr. Nwaobilo Obinna, President of the Leather Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (LEPMAAS), lauded SON’s efforts and called for increased government support to boost exports. He stated, “This initiative has the potential to revolutionize the sector, reduce dependency on imports, conserve foreign exchange, and stabilize the naira.”

Similarly, Prince Obasi Uba, Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Abia/Owerri Chapter, emphasized the sector’s potential to generate jobs and significant revenue. He urged the government to create an enabling environment for manufacturers to thrive.

Expert Insights

Mallam Farouk Salim, former Director-General of SON, emphasized the importance of standardization and quality assurance in making Nigerian leather products competitive internationally. He noted that local manufacturers are now producing high-quality goods, such as shoes, belts, and handbags, that can compete favorably with international brands.

Stakeholders in the leather and shoe industry have expressed optimism that recent initiatives will address challenges facing the sector, including poor quality of leather and the use of banned chemicals in production processe

SON officials provided practical insights at the event. Stella Chamberlain, Head of Marketing, and Mrs. Pebisn Arumemi, Head of MSMEs, educated attendees on international trade standards, the benefits of adherence, and the risks of banned production materials. They shared case studies demonstrating the importance of quality assurance in driving global competitiveness.

Lessons from Case Studies

Bangladesh Leather Industry: Bangladesh’s thriving leather sector highlights the transformative potential of quality assurance and export-driven policies. Despite its growth, challenges like child labor and hazardous conditions underline the need for ethical practices alongside industrial development.

Revitalizing Nigeria’s Textile Industry: Like leather, Nigeria’s textile industry faces hurdles such as inadequate infrastructure and competition from imports. Revitalization efforts, including technology investments and policy reforms, demonstrate pathways to recovery.

Nigeria’s Textile Industry: The Nigerian textile industry has experienced a decline due to factors such as inadequate infrastructure, competition from imported goods, and lack of investment. Revitalization efforts focus on addressing these challenges through policy reforms and investment in technology.

SON’s repositioning initiative is setting the stage for Nigeria’s leather and textile sectors to thrive in the global market. With the right mix of standardization, stakeholder engagement, and government support, these industries could contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic transformation, job creation, and foreign exchange stability.

By learning from these examples, Nigeria can develop strategies to enhance its leather and textile sectors, ensuring sustainable growth and competitiveness in the global market.