Mr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, the Director-General /chief executive officer, SON,said that the agency’s quality assurance interventions have positioned Nigerian manufacturers to compete favourably in the lucrative global leather and textile market valued at over $1 trillion.
“Our capacity buildings have led to a significant improvement in the quality of leather products in Nigeria. Local manufacturers are now producing high-quality leather goods, such as shoes, belts, and handbags, that can compete favorably with international brands, ” he said.
The SON DG made the disclosure during stakeholders sensitisation/capacity building workshop in Aba held on Thursday, December 12.
At the event which was attended by over 730 participants, the SON DG, emphasized that SON had been working closely with stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies, to ensure that Nigerian leather and textile products meet international standards.
Okeke, represented by Chukwuma Aharanwa, the Director, South-East Regional Operations of SON, noted that SON has put in place a policy that ensures that MSMEs and other relevant stakeholders are involved in standards development process, through inclusion in technical committees (TC).
Our capacity buildings have led to a significant improvement in the quality of leather products in Nigeria. Local manufacturers are now producing high-quality leather goods, such as shoes, belts, and handbags, that can compete favorably with international brands
He expressed optimism about the development, stating that “Nigeria has the potential to become a major player in the global leather industry with the right standards and quality assurance in place, our local manufacturers can produce high-quality leather products that can compete with the best in the world.”
Okeke said that the successful repositioning of the leather sector is a testament to SON’s commitment to promoting standardization and quality assurance in Nigeria. According to him, he is motivated in the spirit of the Renewed+ Hope agenda to support the economy with local inventions.
“This can be achieved through creating the framework that can make “We decided to train them on anti-trade barriers, Standardisation and quality assurance, accessibility to standard.
“One of the key element to trade is standards, it’s a global common language so our product must meet standards to boost export and reduce rejection at the international market ,’ Okeke said.
Earlier, Stella Chamberlain, the Head of Department/ Marketing, SON, said that Aba is notable for trade and industry, which have thrived over the years, but however noted that for the operators to remain relevant that they must produce quality and competitive products for consumers at all times.
She said that the workshop was put together to provide more information on the benefits of standardisation to businesses, while exposing stakeholders on ways of consistently achieving standards to sustain their businesses.
Stakeholders in the leather and shoe industry have expressed optimism that a recent town hall meeting will help address the challenges facing the sector.
Some stakeholders complained about the poor quality of leather in the market, while others appreciated the lecture, which highlighted the importance of avoiding banned chemicals in the production process.Mr ( Hon) Nwaobilo Obinna, President, Leather Manufacturers Associstion of Nigeria, opined their determination to increase exports to the international market.
He encouraged the federal, state, and local governments to support the industry by patronizing their products.
He called for a unified system, where stakeholders meetings with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) would be held regularly.
“This development is significant, considering the huge potential of the leather and shoe industry in Nigeria,” he said.
Prince Obasi Uba, Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria ( MAN) Abia / Owerri Chapter, said that with the right support and standards in place, the industry can compete favorably in the global market, creating jobs and generating revenue for the country.
He urged the federal government to pay attention to the concerns of local industries, particularly the leather and shoe sector, and address their concerns. Most of the stakeholders in the sector can help reduce the influx of foreign goods, conserve the country’s foreign exchange, and ultimately save the naira from further devaluation.” Mrs Pebisn Arumemi, Head of Department, MSMEs, SON , took time to educate the participants on how to adhere to standards and boost trade.
Other experts thought the stakeholders on banned items, code and proceeessing, among others.