Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State says annual export earnings exceeding $250 million (₦387.5 billion) are projected when the Lagos Industrial Leather Hub becomes fully operational.

Mr Sanwo-Olu made this known on Saturday during the inauguration of the hub at Matori, Mushin, Lagos.

He said the facility would position Lagos as the leather logistics capital of West Africa.

The governor described the hub as a crucial anchor for transforming ideas into globally competitive products.

He stated: “Building on the Non-Oil Export Expo earlier this week, this commissioning reinforces our determination to diversify Nigeria’s economy beyond oil.”

Mr Sanwo-Olu said the hub could create over 10,000 jobs in three years, with 70 per cent reserved for women and youth.

He added that more than 150,000 artisans would access advanced training and start-up support, ensuring no talent is excluded.

The governor expressed gratitude to Nigeria’s first lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for her passion for women and youth empowerment, which inspired the initiative.

He also acknowledged the Council for Leather Exports and private investors for choosing Lagos as Africa’s next leather frontier.

Mr Sanwo-Olu pledged the state’s support to safeguard and expand the hub through transparent regulation and infrastructure upgrades.

He assured that the hub would link with fashion districts, e-commerce platforms, and the Blue Line Rail for seamless goods and people movement.

He stressed that success would be measured not by headlines, but by the number of households lifted above poverty through the project.

The governor emphasised that the hub signalled global competitiveness for Nigeria’s leather value-chain and would create thousands of decent jobs.

He said: “This facility will create jobs, spur innovation, and provide small and medium enterprises with a platform for growth.

“It will boost competitiveness, attract investments, and improve the living standards of Lagosians.

“Remember, Lagos’s greatest resource is not its lagoon or land, but the indomitable spirit of its people.

“By unlocking that spirit, this hub ensures shared prosperity, rewards creativity, and leaves no one behind.

“May this hub serve generations unborn, and may every product from here carry the enduring mark of Nigerian excellence.”

(NAN)