Kano State Government has assured artisans in the state of the government’s commitment to improving their businesses and boosting the economy.
SolaceBase reports that the State Commissioner for Commerce, Investment, and Industry, Shehu Sagagi, made the pledge on Saturday during a visit to Chiromawa and Kofar Wambai in Kano Municipal, where he inspected the activities of shoe and bag makers, as well as the traditional tannery.
Speaking during the visit, the commissioner said he was in the area on the directive of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who had noted the significant involvement of women in leatherworks during his campaign.
“I am here on the instruction of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State because during his campaign visit, he saw the number of women engaged in shoe and bag making, as well as leatherworks generally.
“I am very impressed with what I have seen. These products are being exported to countries such as Niger, Cameroon, Chad, and Central Africa. This is something very interesting,” he said.
Sagagi stated that the government aims to enhance the standard and quality of the products to enable exports to European markets.
He added that his ministry would advise the governor on the necessary support, whether in the form of machinery, shared facility centres, or financial empowerment.
During the visit, the commissioner also toured Majema, a traditional tannery, where he listened to the concerns of local tanners.
Artisans, including youth and women, expressed their appreciation for the visit and the government’s efforts.
However, one of the women, who preferred to remain anonymous, urged the government to ensure direct assistance, alleging that intermediaries were withholding support.
“We truly appreciate the government’s efforts. We need financial and machinery support, and we hope it will come.
“But we are calling on the government to give us the assistance directly because those representing us are not passing it down,” she said.
The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the leather industry as part of its broader economic development agenda.
SolaceBase
