Opinion

The Need For A Modern Leather Tannery Factory in Nasarawa State: A Pathway To Prosperity And Youth Empowerment

By Comr. Mustapha Kanawa

Nasarawa State today stands as one of Nigeria’s shining examples of visionary governance, purposeful leadership, and progressive policies. Under the dynamic stewardship of His Excellency, Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule, the state has experienced unprecedented growth in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, commerce, and investment promotion. Governor Sule has consistently demonstrated that leadership is about vision, action, and results, as evident in his relentless drive to industrialize Nasarawa and make it a competitive economy within Nigeria and beyond.

Amidst these transformational strides, one of the most viable and impactful projects that will complement the Governor’s industrialization agenda is the establishment of a modern leather tannery factory. This initiative will not only consolidate the gains of the livestock and agricultural sector but also accelerate job creation, revenue generation, and youth empowerment in Nasarawa State.

Economic Importance of the Leather Tannery

The leather industry is a multi-billion-dollar global sector, and Nigeria contributes significantly in terms of raw hides and skins. Sadly, most of these raw materials are exported without value addition, leaving farmers and the economy shortchanged. A modern tannery in Nasarawa will:

Enable the state to process raw hides into high-quality finished leather for domestic use and export.

Boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through the export of finished leather and the development of related industries.

Support livestock farmers and herders by creating a guaranteed and profitable market for hides and skins.

Stimulate downstream industries like shoemaking, upholstery, fashion, belts, and handbags, thereby unlocking entrepreneurial opportunities.

Job Creation and Youth Empowerment

The tannery will directly employ hundreds of workers and indirectly create thousands of jobs in logistics, marketing, chemical supplies, and artisanal leatherworks. More importantly, it will serve as a skills acquisition center for the youth, equipping them with practical knowledge in leather processing, shoemaking, and industrial craftsmanship. This will directly reduce unemployment, curb restiveness, and promote self-reliance among young people.

Academic and Research Benefits

The tannery will provide a practical laboratory for students of the College of Agriculture and various faculties of agriculture across the state. It will also support research and innovation in livestock management, agro-processing, and industrial linkages, thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice in our tertiary institutions.

Learning from Lagos: The Oluremi Tinubu Industrial Leather Hub

The success of the Oluremi Tinubu Industrial Leather Hub in Mushin, Lagos State, stands as a clear example of how state-driven industrial projects can transform economies.

The hub is expected to generate ₦387 billion annually (USD 250 million) in exports of leather products.

It will create over 10,000 jobs, directly and indirectly, particularly targeting youths and women.

More than 150,000 artisans and MSMEs will benefit through training, access to infrastructure, and opportunities to scale up their craft.

It is not just a production center, but also a skills acquisition hub, supporting sustainable entrepreneurship.

If Lagos can achieve this in the South-West, then Nasarawa—strategically located at the heart of the nation, with abundant livestock resources can do even more. By building its own state-owned tannery, Nasarawa can establish itself as Northern Nigeria’s premier center for leather processing and exports.

Commendation of Leadership.

His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule

Governor Abdullahi Sule has distinguished himself as a pragmatic and visionary leader who understands that economic development must be anchored on industry, agriculture, and commerce. His efforts in attracting investors, improving infrastructure, and promoting public-private partnerships are widely recognized. The proposal for a modern tannery factory aligns perfectly with his vision of transforming Nasarawa into an industrial hub.

The Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture

Hon. Umar Tanko Tunga (Honourable Commissioner of Agriculture) has been a driving force behind Nasarawa’s recognition as one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural states. His initiatives in modern farming practices, livestock development, irrigation projects, and farmer support programs have strengthened the agricultural backbone of the state. By connecting agriculture to industrialization, he has positioned Nasarawa as a pacesetter in agro-economy. A modern tannery will further crown these efforts by ensuring that livestock production translates directly into wealth creation for farmers and the state.

The Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Investment

Equally commendable is the outstanding work of Hon. Muhammad Sani Otto (Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Investment). His relentless drive to promote trade, expand market access, and attract investors has created a vibrant business climate in Nasarawa. His policies have not only encouraged small and medium enterprises but have also strengthened industrial linkages. A tannery factory will serve as another feather in his cap, proving that commerce and investment under his leadership is not just about policy, but about real transformation of the state’s economy.

The Director General, NASIDA (Nasarawa Investment and Development Agency)

No less remarkable are the achievements of Hon. Ibrahim Abdullahi) DG of NASIDA , whose foresight, professionalism, and tireless promotion of Nasarawa as an investment destination have yielded impressive results. By actively engaging with both local and foreign investors, the DG has successfully positioned Nasarawa on the global map of credible investment opportunities. His role in championing industrial projects and fostering partnerships makes him a key player in realizing a modern tannery factory. His office continues to embody the spirit of innovation, transparency, and results-driven investment promotion.

CONCLUSION 

The establishment of a modern leather tannery factory is not just an economic project, it is a legacy initiative that will create wealth, empower youth, expand industrial capacity, and consolidate the progress Nasarawa has already made. With the visionary leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule, the strong agricultural foundation laid by the Commissioner of Agriculture, the business-enabling environment driven by the Commissioner for Commerce and Investment, and the global investor confidence earned by the DG of NASIDA, Nasarawa State is more than ready to host and sustain such a transformative project.

This project will not only secure the economic future of the state but also affirm Nasarawa’s rightful place as a leading hub for agriculture, commerce, and industry in Nigeria.

Mustapha Kanawa, a concerned Nasarawa State citizen writes from Nasarawa, Nasarawa Local Government Area

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