The Borno State Livestock Management Agency (BOLMA) and the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST), Northeast Regional Centre, have entered into a strategic partnership to develop the leather value chain in Borno State.
During a courtesy visit to the BOLMA headquarters in Maiduguri on Monday, the NILEST and BOLMA team Director-General of BOLMA, Dr. Bukar Ali Usman, mni, hosted a delegation led by NILEST’s Northeast Regional Director, Dr. Usman Ali Busuguma.
Dr. Usman acknowledged that the leather industry is a vital sector with high potential for job creation and sustainable economic development in the state.
“The leather sector stands out as a key area for sustainable development, job creation, and industrial growth,” he said.
He stated that the collaboration with NILEST comes at a crucial time to strengthen Borno’s livestock economy.
“This proposed collaboration between the two organisations comes at a crucial time to rebuild and strengthen the livestock economy in Borno,” Dr. Usman added.
The partnership aims to use science, technology, and innovation to unlock the full potential of the leather value chain.
“The partnership is expected to harness science, technology, and innovation to unlock the full potential of the leather value chain, positioning it as a catalyst for economic transformation in the region,” he explained.
The BOLMA Director-General also highlighted ongoing livestock reforms under Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, including the establishment of a state-of-the-art Breeding Centre designed to improve livestock breeds, such as goats with high-value skin.
“Ongoing livestock reforms, particularly the establishment of the state-of-the-art Breeding Centre, are designed to support the production of improved livestock breeds, including goats with high skin value,” Dr. Usman said.
Dr. Busuguma, in his remarks, emphasized the significant role of leather in the livestock value chain.
“Leather is a key product in the livestock value chain, and its development aligns with BOLMA’s mandate to enhance livestock development,” he stated.
He reiterated NILEST’s commitment to supporting the sector through capacity building, applied research, and technology-driven innovations to improve local processing and commercialization of leather products.
“NILEST is committed to supporting the sector through capacity building, applied research, and technology-driven innovations aimed at improving local processing, value addition, and commercialization of leather and its by-products,” Dr. Busuguma assured.
The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to form a joint technical working group to operationalize the partnership.
This group will focus on stakeholder engagement, pilot project implementation, and skills development.
