Sanwo-Olu Inaugurates Leather Hub in Mushin, Projects $250m Export Turnover
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday inaugurated a state-of-the-art leather processing and manufacturing hub in Mushin, describing it as a major step toward industrialisation and job creation in Nigeria.
The facility, formally commissioned by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during her three-day official visit to Lagos, is projected to create 10,000 direct jobs and generate more than $250 million in annual export turnover when it becomes fully operational.
Named in honour of the First Lady for her grassroots initiatives in social investment and economic empowerment, the hub has reserved 70 per cent of its employment slots for women and youths. It is equipped with modern machinery to support Nano, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (NMSMEs) in the mass production of shoes, bags, belts, packaging materials, and other leather goods.
Speaking at the inauguration, Mrs. Tinubu hailed the hub as a “trailblazing project” that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to diversify Nigeria’s economy through industrialisation, manufacturing, and innovation.
“Leatherwork is a traditional craft that has stood the test of time.
This facility will empower artisans, scale up leather goods production, and enable them to compete confidently in both local and international markets,” she said, urging entrepreneurs to commit themselves to excellence and continuous learning.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the project was designed to ease production bottlenecks, scale operations, and position Lagos as the leather logistics capital of West Africa. According to him, the hub would train and provide start-up support to more than 150,000 artisans, boost the local economy, attract investments, and strengthen trade links with fashion districts, e-commerce platforms, and future rail services.
“Hides and skins that once left our shores unprocessed will now be transformed here in Lagos into world-class footwear, garments, and accessories proudly stamped ‘Made in Lagos, Made in Nigeria’,” he said.
The governor pledged that his administration would expand the facility through transparent regulation and continuous infrastructure upgrades.
“True dividends of democracy are best felt when they reach the cobbler in Mushin, the tanner in Oko-Oba, and the young fashion designer in Yaba,” he added.
Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, noted that the hub would lower production costs and raise quality standards, placing Lagos-made leather products in a strong position to dominate both local and export markets.
With its modern facilities and export-driven capacity, the Mushin leather hub is expected to significantly transform Lagos into a key player in the global leather industry.
