Nigeria’s federal government has introduced a committee that will be responsible for implementing leather products policy in the country.

According to a statement issued by the head of public relations, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, the minister of science and technology, inaugurated the committee in Abuja on Tuesday.

Dr Onu advised that Nigeria take advantage of low labour costs and invest in the leather industry.

The minister said all efforts would be made to ensure effective implementation of the policy, adding that past efforts at industrialisation had failed because foundations were not properly set.

Dr Onu also said that the leather industry was very critical to national growth and development because it would boost gross domestic product and increase Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.

The committee is expected to set up a working plan and budget for the effective implementation of policy within two months.