By Zailani Mustapha The Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST), Dr. Auwal Mustapha Imam, h...
By Zailani Mustapha
The Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST), Dr. Auwal Mustapha Imam, has sought the collaboration of the Jigawa State Government in establishing a NILEST extension centre in the state, highlighting its importance to the leather industry in the region.
Dr. Imam made this known during a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi, at the Government House in Dutse on Wednesday, according to a statement signed and released by Nuhu Basheer Masa, Personal Assistant (P.A Media & Communication) to the DG NILEST.
Speaking at the meeting, the NILEST Director General emphasized the strategic importance of Jigawa to the leather industry, noting that the Northwest region, which includes Jigawa, is a key producer of hides and skins. However, unlike neighboring states such as Kano, Sokoto, and Daura, Jigawa currently lacks a NILEST extension centre.
"We are requesting the government of Jigawa State to provide land for us to establish the centre and equip it with facilities for easy access to training in leather and leather products science and technology," Dr. Imam said.
In response, Governor Namadi welcomed the proposal and pledged the state government’s support. He assured that land would be provided for the project but issued a firm warning regarding its development timeline.
"We will support you. We will allocate land for the NILEST centre, but if within two years nothing tangible is done, we will revoke the land," the governor stated.
Governor Namadi also commended Dr. Imam for his efforts in repositioning the institute and expressed optimism that the collaboration would boost the leather industry, not only in Jigawa but across Nigeria.
Following their discussions, both leaders exchanged pleasantries and took a group photograph to mark the occasion before the delegation from NILEST was seen off by the governor.
The visit is expected to further strengthen the partnership between NILEST and Jigawa State, with the aim of promoting innovation, research, and capacity building within Nigeria’s leather sector.
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