Lagos to earn N387bn annually from leather hub named after Oluremi Tinubu

By Adeola Ogunrinde –

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday announced that Lagos State will earn about $250 million, an equivalent of N387.5 billion, annually from the newly unveiled Oluremi Tinubu Industrial Leather Hub in Matori, Mushin.

At the commissioning, Sanwo-Olu said the hub would transform hides and skins into world-class footwear, garments, and accessories branded “Made in Lagos, Made in Nigeria.” He noted that the project would create over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs in its first three years, with 70 percent reserved for women and youth.

The governor added that more than 150,000 artisans will benefit from training and start-up support, projecting export earnings in excess of $250 million annually when fully operational. He described the initiative as a promise of opportunity for young Nigerians to dream bigger with access to mentorship and markets.

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who unveiled the facility during her official visit to Lagos, described it as another milestone in empowering artisans, strengthening MSMEs, and promoting local manufacturing. She commended the state government for its commitment to job creation and sustainable development.

In addition, about 1,000 women in Lagos benefitted from the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Empowerment Programme themed “Empowering Women For Self-Reliance and SDGs Acceleration.” The beneficiaries received empowerment tools to help them contribute to development and achieve self-reliance.

Senator Tinubu, Chairman of RHI, explained that 500 women were initially selected, while the Lagos State government provided an additional 500 slots. Across the country, a total of 18,500 women will benefit from the programme.

She stressed that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusivity, economic growth, and women’s empowerment. She urged beneficiaries to use the items to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, joined by his wife and state RHI Coordinator, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, praised the First Lady’s commitment to governance over the years. He urged beneficiaries not to sell their tools but to deploy them productively to create wealth, boost independence, and contribute to Lagos State’s Gross Domestic Product.