Ministry inaugurates Apapa skills acquisition centre

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has inaugurated the Nigerian Export Promotion Council’s Export Skills Acquisition Centre in Apapa, Lagos to empower women and youths.

The Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, described the centre as a key step in empowering Nigerian youth and women through skill acquisition in bag-making and other accessories.

Uzoka-Anite said the ESAC initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at job creation and poverty alleviation.

She said, “The establishment of this centre is driven by our commitment to addressing fundamental challenges hindering export growth and economic diversification.”

The minister noted that Africa’s population is expected to double by 2050, with over a third of the world’s youth residing on the continent.

She added that coupled with the opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area and the increasing demand for Made-in-Africa fashion, the ESAC reflected the importance of equipping Nigerians with the skills to tap into global markets.

The minister added that Africa’s fashion industry, worth $31bn, accounts for just 1.2 per cent of the global fashion market valued at $2.5tn.

“This centre will offer specialised training in product development, quality control, and digital skills to ensure our products meet international standards,” Uzoka-Anite stated.

The Executive Director of NEPC, Nonye Ayeni, said the centre is a result of a Memorandum of Understanding between the NEPC and Lelook Bags Academy.

“This collaborative effort will boost the export of value-added products from Nigeria, creating jobs and fostering an export culture, especially among the youth and women,” Ayeni said.

She highlighted the importance of seizing the growing opportunities in the global fashion and accessories market, which is projected to reach $228bn by 2024.

The NEPC ED also reiterated the council’s commitment to supporting small businesses, particularly within the AfCFTA framework, to maximise export potential.