The federal government has resolved to take critical steps to advance leather production in Nigeria, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, has said.
Onu spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the matriculation of trainees and inauguration of Nigerian Institute of Leather Science and Technology (NILEST), North Central Leather cluster extension centre as well as leather training infrastructure.
“By doing this, we will also strengthen our capacity to convert our rich agricultural products into viable economic goods and services that we need for both domestic consumption as well strengthen export earnings.
“This will help in job and wealth creation, help restore national self-reliance and self-confidence, enhance prosperity and boost our economy, “ he said.
He said the process of creating additional leather research and development centres in other geo-political zones had reached advance stage.
“It is expected that this will help strengthen greater grassroots participation in leather technology, thereby helping to stimulate more indigenous capacity for the ultimate benefit of our people. (NAN)
