Essential Ndubuisi
Yesterday, July 6, 2021, I joined the Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo GCON, and other distinguished guests to launch the National Leather and Leather Products Policy Implementation Plan.
The leather industry is an important industry in national economic development. If fully harnessed, the industry has the potential to create wealth and also be a leading foreign exchange earner for Nigeria.
I commend the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology and its Agency, the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) for piloting the actualization of the implementation plan. The initiative of the federal government could not have come at a better time than now when Nigeria needs to begin to prepare herself for the post oil economy.
It is high time the country appreciates the potentials of the leather industry in the development of the nation’s economy especially in the area of job and wealth creation, as well as increase in economic revenue. Other countries of the world such as Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, China and India have made great developmental strides through domestic and foreign trade in leather, Nigeria can do the same.
As the Chairman Senate committee on Science and Technology, my committee will work closely with the National Steering Committee on the Strategic Implementation Plan of the policy to ensure its full implementation which when achieved will diversify the nation’s economy.
The event also had in attendance, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of State, Science and Technology, Barr. Mohammed H. Abdullahi, Distinguished Senator Stella Oduah OON, and other distinguished guests.
