Nigeria’s Leather Sector Can Earn Over $1 Billion Annually — But Only If We Do This

A recent report by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) sheds light on a major opportunity hiding in plain sight: With the right investment in processing and branding, Nigeria’s leather exports could generate over $1 billion annually.

This isn’t just about increasing trade figures, it’s about repositioning the leather industry in Nigeria as a strategic pillar of the non-oil export economy.

The Challenge: Raw Leather, Low Return

Although Nigeria is among the largest producers of leather in Africa, the country exports mostly raw, unprocessed leather. This limits its earnings and global competitiveness.

Key barriers include:

1. Outdated or underused processing infrastructure
2. Poor knowledge of export market requirements
3. Limited access to branding, packaging, and certification
4. Gaps in global trade compliance among small businesses

Why Processed Leather Matters

In global markets, value-added leather products — from footwear to car upholstery — command significantly higher prices. Without in-country processing, Nigeria loses that value to foreign manufacturers.

Strengthening local capacity to process and export finished leather goods means:

1. Higher export revenues
2. More jobs in the leather and fashion value chains
3. Stronger visibility for Made-in-Nigeria products abroad

How NEXA Supports Leather Exporters

At NEXA – Nigerian Export Academy, we provide tailored resources to help businesses succeed across the entire export value chain.

For stakeholders in the leather and hides industry, we offer:

1. On-demand courses on export documentation, compliance, and financing
2. Market intelligence reports tailored to leather and finished goods
3. Community support and mentoring via the NEXA Exporters’ Network

Key Steps for Leather Exporters

To build a stronger presence in the global leather trade, Nigerian businesses should:

1. Invest in leather finishing and product development
2. Understand market entry rules for the EU, UK, and Asia
3. Build consistent quality and secure export certifications
4. Leverage training and resources from platforms like NEXA

Driving Export-Led Growth in Nigeria

With targeted support and increased awareness, Nigeria’s leather industry can become a flagship for diversified exports. Platforms like NEXA are ready to help exporters grow their capacity, improve compliance, and expand into new markets.

🔗 Read the full NESG report here: Nigeria Can Generate $1bn from Leather Sector – NESG Report