Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has pledged to revamp the leather and hides sector to boost employment and internally generated revenue (IGR).

Speaking during a visit by Dr. Auwal Mustapha Imam, Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Leather Science and Technology (NILEST), Zulum highlighted Borno’s comparative advantage with 11.7 million livestock.

He emphasized the sector’s potential to create jobs for herders, women, and youths, while noting its value in the shoe and fashion industries.

The governor commended the upgrade of NILEST’s Maiduguri Centre to the North East Regional Centre and promised support for the Neital Shoe Factory revival.

Zulum directed collaboration between the Ministry of Commerce and NILEST to create jobs, enhance capacity building, and add value across sectors. He also approved training for 60 state indigenes in leather technology and allocated housing for NILEST staff.

Imam thanked Zulum for his support and commitment to advancing the leather and hides industry for economic growth.