By DUMAH RANDONG
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has called for increased support for young people and women entrepreneurs in the leather and fashion industry, saying such investment would create sustainable jobs and expand economic opportunities.
Mutfwang made the call Tuesday while declaring open the 2026 National Leather and Fashion Business-to-Business Summit and Fair in Jos.
The summit, themed, ‘Leather and Fashion Beyond Borders: Driving Innovation, Commercialization and Global Market Access for Economic Reform’, brought together key stakeholders in the leather and fashion industry, as well as experts in science, technology and innovation, to explore opportunities for strengthening the sector and improving access to local and international markets.
Represented by his Deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo, Mutfwang stated that Plateau State was determined to build an economy where innovation and enterprise translate into jobs, investment and prosperity for its people.
He reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to support partnerships among government, the private sector and industry players to unlock the full potential of the leather and fashion value chain.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kingsley Tochukwu, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Muktar Muhammad, urged Nigeria to move away from exporting raw materials towards processing and adding value locally.
He assured that the Federal Government was committed to strengthening artisans and providing platforms to transform the leather industry into a competitive global sector.
Also speaking, Chairman of the National Task Force on Implementation of Leather Policy and Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology, Mustapha Imam, called for increased production of quality Nigerian-made leather and fashion products.
He stressed the need for greater value addition and market development to position the industry to compete effectively in the global market.
Other stakeholders who spoke at the event included the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Muhammed Nyalun; President of the National Leather and Leather Products Association, Mustapha Nabegu; and President of Plateau Leather and Apparel Sector Manufacturers Association, Julius Putshaka, among others.
Mutfwang also toured exhibition stands mounted by local leather and fashion manufacturers in the state.
He inspected locally produced leather products and other innovations on display.