From Idu Jude, Abuja
The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has stated that the Federal Government’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative in the shoe and garment sector can meet a significant portion of the uniform needs for Nigeria’s paramilitary agencies. This aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to prioritise locally produced goods under his Renewed Hope Agenda.
During a courtesy visit by Dr Jimmy Ntuen, CEO of Erojim Investments Limited, ICRC Director General Dr Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh noted the potential of the Aba-based shoe and garment factory and a forthcoming tannery in Kano to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports.
“With the Aba shoe and garment factory capable of producing 1,500 shoes per day, and a tannery set to open in Kano, we are confident that Nigeria can fully meet the uniform needs of our paramilitary agencies,” Ewalefoh said.
“This is not just about producing shoes and garments—it’s about creating jobs, supporting local industries, and reducing our dependency on imports in line with the President’s directive to patronise made-in-Nigeria goods.”
He described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a strategic plan for self-reliance, local capacity building, and economic growth through effective PPPs.
Dr Ntuen, whose company operates the Aba facility, praised President Tinubu, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), and the ICRC for their support. He noted that the Aba factory, the largest shoe factory in West Africa, can produce 1,500 shoes and cut 10,000 garments daily.
“We can meet the local needs of government agencies, and very soon, we will begin producing for the general public,” he said. The factory has supplied thousands of high-quality shoes to the NCoS and is prepared to serve other paramilitary agencies.
Ntuen added that the Aba factory has created over 300 direct jobs, with a new leather, shoe, and garment factory set to launch in three months, expected to generate 340 direct jobs and over 1,500 indirect jobs.
“Our Aba factory has created over 300 direct jobs, and the new leather, shoe, and garment factory launching in three months will create an additional 340 direct jobs and over 1,500 indirect jobs,” he said.
He stressed that the shoes match global brand quality, showcasing Nigerian craftsmanship when properly supported.