Nigeria Pushes Leather Manufacturing as Livestock Reform Gains Momentum

Nigeria’s drive to strengthen local manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports is gaining fresh momentum. The Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST), under the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, received renewed federal backing.

This will enable it upgrade the quality and scale of leather production to meet international standards.

The endorsement comes from the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development. It underscores the government’s broader strategy to reposition agriculture-linked manufacturing. It was also highlighted as a key pillar of economic diversification, job creation, and export growth.

Speaking during an engagement with stakeholders, officials emphasized the need for Nigeria to reverse its long-standing reliance on foreign finished goods. Despite having one of Africa’s largest livestock populations, the country’s leather and footwear value chain remains weak.

“For too long, we have been looking outside our borders for solutions,” an official noted. “It is time to come back home and focus on what we can produce locally. Nigeria has enough opportunities, and this government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is ready to support indigenous capacity.”

Leather as a Manufacturing Growth Engine

Leather manufacturing has increasingly been identified as a strategic sub-sector within Nigeria’s industrial agenda. It is often linked with livestock production, small-scale artisans, tanneries, and large manufacturers.

With improved processing standards, experts say Nigerian leather products could compete more effectively in regional and global markets. The footwear, fashion accessories, upholstery, and automotive components have potential.

The Ministry of Livestock Development projects that improvements in livestock productivity and consumption will naturally drive demand. More so, modern leather processing technologies will expand opportunities for manufacturers and technology providers within the sector.

This approach aligns with recent government efforts to revive textiles, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, and light manufacturing. This is all aimed at boosting domestic value addition and easing pressure on foreign exchange.

Earlier, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, visited the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) in Shika, Kaduna State. While there, he outlined plans to partner with global livestock and processing firms to modernize Nigeria’s production systems.

The initiative is part of the Presidential Livestock Reform Agenda. It is designed to integrate research, modern husbandry, processing infrastructure, and private sector investment into a coherent national framework.

Accompanied by the Special Adviser to the President and Coordinator of the Presidential Livestock Reform Initiative, Professor Attahiru Jega, the minister toured key facilities at NAPRI. He further pledged that existing infrastructure would be fully optimized to drive productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and strengthen food security.