Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday launched a cutting-edge leather processing and manufacturing cluster in Mushin, which is expected to create 10,000 direct jobs and produce over $250 million in annual export turnover once fully operational.
According to the governor’s press release, the facility was formally inaugurated on Saturday by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during her three-day official visit to Lagos.
He went on to say that the centre was named in her honour to recognise her grassroots initiatives in social investment and economic development, and that 70% of its jobs are reserved for women and youth.
The hub is outfitted with contemporary gear to assist Nano, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (NMSMEs), allowing for mass production of shoes, purses, belts, packaging materials, and other leather products.
It aims to reduce production bottlenecks, scale operations, and establish Lagos as West Africa’s leather logistics capital.
At the launch, Tinubu called the centre a “trailblazing project” that is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to diversify Nigeria’s economy through industrialisation, manufacturing, and innovation.
“Leatherwork is a traditional craft that has stood the test of time. This facility will empower artisans, scale up leather goods production, and enable them to compete confidently in both local and international markets,” she said, urging entrepreneurs to dedicate themselves to excellence and continuous learning.
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Sanwo-Olu stated that the project would provide training and start-up support to over 150,000 artisans, boost the local economy, attract investments, and strengthen trade links with fashion districts, e-commerce platforms, and future rail services.
“Hides and skins that once left our shores unprocessed will now be transformed here in Lagos into world-class footwear, garments, and accessories proudly stamped ‘Made in Lagos, Made in Nigeria’,” the governor said.
He promised to expand the facility through transparent regulation and continuous infrastructure upgrades, adding, “True dividends of democracy are best felt when they reach the cobbler in Mushin, the tanner in Oko-Oba, and the young fashion designer in Yaba.”
Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, stated that the hub would reduce production costs while increasing quality standards, positioning Lagos-made leather products for domination in both local and foreign markets.
