The Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) has sought ties with the Portuguese leather sector to strengthen the country’s leather industry.
Nigeria has one of the best hides and skin resources – a potential for a vibrant industry but utilization has been abysmal despite the huge market.
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Recently, NILEST’s key officers and captains of Nigeria leather Industry undertook a capacity building and study tour to Portugal as part of the ongoing process to enhance the Institute’s performance.
The visit, Daily Trust on Sunday gathered, was part of the actualization of the National Leather and Leather Products Policy Implementation Plan, which was launched by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. The trip was also necessitated by the request from the Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Portugal, Amb. Alex E. Kefas.
During the study tour, the delegates understudied the Centro Tecnologico Do Calcado De Portugal (CTCP) Innovative Laboratories, Workshops, Exhibition/Show rooms and some selected leather organisations in Porto, Portugal.
The six-man team was led by Prof. M. K. Yakubu, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NILEST and two officers from the Nigeria’s Embassy in Portugal led by Amb. Alex E. Kefas.
The team was in Portugal to particularly learn policies, practices, industry dynamics, technology and to understand how they were able to grow the industry from an artisanal level to a modern and sophisticated industry.
The Portuguese leather industry, which started small, used traditional processes for tanning of leather. Over the years, the industry has developed tremendously replacing traditional techniques with modern techniques.
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