Doris Uzoka-Anite, minister of industry, trade and investment, says the inauguration of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Export Skills Acquisition Centre (ESAC), will build the capacity of youths and women.

The minister made this known at the inauguration of the Export Skills Acquisition Centre (ESAC) and Fashion Innovative Hub for Women and Youths on Friday in Lagos.

NEPC, in collaboration with Lelook Nigeria Ltd., established the ESAC to facilitate skill development in innovative bag-making and related accessories.

“I am most delighted to witness this epoch-making event targeted at building the capacity of the youth and women in innovative bag-making, among other accessories,” she said.

She commended the NEPC for establishing ESAC, describing it as a crucial step aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation.

Highlighting the importance of the initiative, she noted that Africa’s young population, projected to reach 1.3 billion by 2050, would account for more than a third of the world’s youth, according to United Nations estimates.

“By which time, the United Nations estimates that more than a third of the world’s young people will live in Africa,” she added.

She said that given the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), there was no better time to kick-start the project than now.

Ms Uzoka-Anite said that reports had disclosed that the African fashion industry was estimated to be worth $31 billion, while the global fashion industry was worth $2.5 trillion.

She acknowledged the challenges faced by African fashion designers compared to their Western counterparts, stating that the establishment of the centre aims to tackle these fundamental issues hindering export growth and economic diversification.

“The centre will provide training that empowers our youth, entrepreneurs, and small business owners with the necessary tools for success in the export sector,” she explained.

The minister said that the skill acquisition centre would offer specialised training programmes covering a range of export-related skills, including product development, quality control and international trade regulations.

“The programmes are designed to equip participants with practical skills that meet international standards, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of our products in the global market,” Ms Uzoka-Anite added.

“The government is committed to supporting initiatives that promote economic growth and creating policies that foster a conducive environment for business development and trade.

“We must seize the opportunities presented by this Export Skills Acquisition Centre and work together to unlock the full potential of our export sector.

“The future is bright, and together, we will make it even brighter,” she said.

Earlier, Nonye Ayeni, executive director of the NEPC, expressed gratitude to the minister for inaugurating the centre.

She assured attendees that under the “Double Your Exports” campaign, the council would do everything necessary to facilitate youth training and the subsequent export of products from the Lelook factory.

Ms Ayeni said that the ESAC would enhance non-oil exports by increasing the export of value-added products from Nigeria, thereby creating jobs and inspiring Nigerians, especially youth and women, to adopt an export culture.

She said, “The global Bags & Accessories e-commerce market is expected to grow significantly, reaching approximately $228.21 billion by 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7 per cent from 2024 to 2028.

“As a sub-market, it accounts for 18.2 per cent of the global fashion market.”

She urged the exporting community to take advantage of the opportunities presented by Lelook Bags under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, especially in light of the AfCFTA, which offers a market size of 1.3 billion.

“We at NEPC reiterate our readiness to support you in maximising the benefits of exporting within the AfCFTA market.

“Nigeria cannot afford to be left out,” she stated.

Chinedu Ezenwa, chief executive officer of Lelook, emphasised the importance of equipping women and youth with the necessary skills to leverage opportunities like the AfCFTA and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Ms Ezenwa, a septuagenarian, shared her personal motivation for developing these skills, inspired by her brother, who, despite his disabilities, succeeded in the business abroad.

“I urge other states to partner with Lelook to help Nigeria become a hub for exporting fashion products worldwide,” she said.

The Lelook boss expressed confidence that Nigeria would become the largest exporter of bags in the next decade with the establishment of the fashion skills centre.

“What we are witnessing today marks a prosperous future for Nigerians, especially for those participating in the skills training.

“I assure you, in the next 10 years, Nigeria will be one of the biggest exporters of bags globally,” she noted.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, represented by Akinyemi Ajigbotefe, the commissioner for job creation and wealth, hinted at the state’s efforts to engage over 3,000 idle youths by providing skill acquisition programmes.

He mentioned that the Lagos state government had paid trained youths three months’ salary during their training and had empowered them successfully.

Mr Ajigbotefe also noted that they had equipped over 4,000 artisans who previously struggled to afford the necessary tools to sustain their businesses.

Adejumoke Senbanjo, chairwoman of Apapa Local Government, thanked Lelook for creating jobs and diversifying the export of fashion products.

She remarked on how Apapa had previously struggled due to gridlock but is now seeing increased business activity.

Ms Senbanjo expressed her commitment to patronising Lelook for school bags to distribute to students as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Segun Ajayi-Kadir, director general of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), affirmed the association’s belief in economic growth and its support for the initiative to drive Nigeria’s economic advancement and improve local competitiveness.

Mr Ajayi-Kadir, represented by Genevieve Nwowu, a member of the association, stated that MAN would continue to advocate for a thriving manufacturing sector.

According to him, the association looks forward to collaborating with NEPC and other partners to empower more individuals and expand export opportunities for local products.

He congratulated the NEPC on the initiative and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to working together for the progress of Nigeria’s economy and the empowerment of its people.

(NAN)