FG approves N500m to boost leather industry.

FG approves N500m to boost leather industry.

By Fly Cable News

The Federal Government, on Monday, approved a N500m pilot initiative to boost the hides and skin industry, focusing on empowering women entrepreneurs in the leather and footwear manufacturing sector.

The initiative, approved by the Federal Executive Council, will be implemented through the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, with a special emphasis on supporting women’s participation in the industry.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim, praised the approval, noting that women play a key role in the leather and footwear sector.

Speaking to State House Correspondents in Abuja on Monday, the minister emphasised that the initiative would provide starter packs for manufacturers, enabling them to scale production, improve economic output, and contribute to the country’s GDP.

To ensure gender inclusivity, she advocated for at least 50 per cent of the intervention to be allocated to women, stating that it would create more opportunities for female entrepreneurs in the sector.