Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr Niyi Adebayo, was among stakeholders who called for the exploration of the leather industry’s economic potential at the just concluded Lagos leather fair.

To further drive growth of the Nigerian leather sector while also educating and creating maximum visibility for leading leather players across Africa, key stakeholders spread across Sub-Saharan Africa gathered at the just concluded Lagos Leather Fair (LLF) 5 to discuss roadmap to the future of the leather industry.

The two-day event, which sought to reiterate the potential economic impact of the leather sector on the Nigerian economy, had in attendance over 2000 key stakeholders, including the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adeniyi Adebayo, Ex-Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, and members from several federal ministries, Bank of Industry, trade bodies, financial institutions, and other local and international investors.

Speaking at the fair, the Convener of the Lagos Leather Fair, Femi Olayebi, said the massive turnout as well as the depth of the conversations held at the fair would go a long way in redesigning the landscape of the leather industry.

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She said, “It has been a delight for us to, once again, hold a physical edition of Lagos Leather Fair, and we are extremely pleased with the success recorded. The crowds poured in across the two-day event in droves, and it is a testament to the value that the finished leather goods sector for the wider industry if properly harnessed.

“For five years now, we have constantly provided a platform for leather and lifestyle enthusiasts and industry players to come together, enhance visibility for the industry, whilst also championing conversations on how to move the industry forward. And this year, despite the impact of the pandemic, we have seen that industry players have continues to hone their craftsmanship, their skills, and their innovation, in order to drive the shift that we need to make the industry’s potential a reality.”

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Adebayo said, “We are proud of the good works of Lagos Leather Fair over the past 5 years. They have created a solid platform where everyone within the leather ecosystem can meet up and hold conversations on how to move the industry forward. The result of this has become very visible with the growing attention gained by the industry and increased collaboration amongst players.” Punchng