Sokoto – The Sokoto State Government said it would partner with the UN Development Organisation ( UNIDO) and the Bank of Industry ( BoI) to establish leather cluster in Sokoto.
The state’s Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Industries, Alhaji Aminu Bello, made the disclosure in Sokoto on Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN).
He said that the cluster, which would be a conglomeration of industries producing leather products in one place, was aimed at harnessing the abundant hides and skin in Sokoto State.
He added that “this is a tripartite partnership aimed at reviving the moribund leather industries and boost the activities of leather artisans.
“That was why the state Governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal recently led an eight-man delegation from the state to Italy.’’
Bello said that the partnership would entail the establishment of new leather industries in the state.
He explained that the planned new leather industries would be established under Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) agreement.
The commissioner added that the gesture was aimed at further reducing unemployment, as well as boosting the revenue base of the state.
He then annonced the state government’s plan to organise an international investors’ forum in the state.
He said “the forum will be attended by members of the business community from within and outside the state.
“The forum is aimed at reawakening the consciousness of the businessmen in the state on the need to establish industries and other businesses.’’
Meanwhile, the Ministry had revived its Weights and Measures Unit to ensure that commodities were sold in the right measures.
Bello further said that “the unit will be working together with NAFDAC, SON Ministry of Religious Affairs, as well as the Zakkat and Endowment Committee, among others to ensure the appropriate pricing of commodities in the state.
“This is also to ensure that the people in the state are not cheated by middlemen and other shylock businessmen.’’ (NAN)
