Sokoto state Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has promised the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) of his administration readiness to partner it to revamp the leather industry in the state.
This partnership is premised on both parties cooperation on an advanced plan by the state government to embark on the production of military boots.
The governor gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja when he received UNIDO’s team at the state Government liaison office in Asokoro,
Speaking,Governor Tambuwal stated,“I have personal interest in ensuring that the relationship between our state and UNIDO is reestablished. Whatever you want us to do we’re ready. I’m sure that you are aware that, for technical reasons, Sokoto is second in the ease of doing business in the country,”.
The State according to the governor, has a long standing relationship with UNIDO, adding that, the latter had supported the organization development of Sokoto Cement Company (SCC).
He also pointed out that it is on record that communities in the state have proven that they are ‘investment friendly,’ thus the existence of SCC in the state since 1965.
“We’re keen on seeing that our people benefit from the proceeds of their sweat. Virtually all of what is the Moroccan and other foreign leather is originally from Sokoto,” hinting that the state will in no distant time become the leader in the leather industry in the country.
“I believe this is the partnership we’ve been waiting for. We want it to take off immediately,” he emphasized, suggesting to the teams at the meeting (state government’s and UNIDO) that modalities for the execution of the envisaged partnership should be outlined and fine tuned.
Earlier, the state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Bashir Gidado, who led the Managing Director of the Sokoto State Investment Company, Alhaji Muhammad Buhari Dasuki and Alhaji Tukur Umar to the meeting, appreciated UNIDO for its interest to partner the state government.
“This is a step in the right direction as our relationship has come a long way for strategic reasons,” he noted, stressing the commitment of the State towards strengthening the partnership once it is forged.
He explained that in anticipation of such development Gov. Tambuwal has before now directed that a Common Facility Center (CFC) should be identified and located somewhere in the state to facilitate the smooth execution of such partnerships. ‘This has been done and soon it will take off,” he said.
In her remarks, the Head Investment and Technology Promotion Office of UNIDO Nigeria,
Abimbola Olufore, commended the state government and the governor for their interest in resuscitating the leather business in the state.
She specifically applauded Gov. Tambuwal for the grant of over 500 hectares of land to the
Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) for its operations in the state.