News Investigators/ The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) says the Federal Government’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative in the shoe and garment factory can significantly meet the uniform needs of Nigeria’s paramilitary agencies.
A statement issued by Ifeanyi Nwoko, Acting Head, Media and Publicity, ICRC, on Sunday in Abuja, said the PPP is under the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).
Mr Nwoko said the development followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive on the procurement of locally produced goods, a key component of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The statement quoted Jobson Ewalefoh, Director-General of ICRC, who spoke during a courtesy visit by the CEO, Erojim Investments Limited, Dr Jimmy Ntuen, as saying:
“The Aba-based shoe and garment factory, alongside a tannery (leather processing facility) set to open in Kano, will significantly 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.”
“This is not just about producing shoes and garments, it is about creating jobs, supporting local industries, and reducing our dependence on imports in line with the President’s directive to patronise made-in-Nigeria goods.”
Mr Ewalefoh added that the Renewed Hope Agenda was not just a political promise but a strategic blueprint for self-reliance, local capacity development, and economic growth driven by effective PPPs.
The statement also quoted Ntuen, the concessionaire behind the Aba facility, commending President Tinubu, NCoS, and the ICRC for their support, which he described as instrumental to the success of the project.
He described the Aba factory as the largest shoe factory in West Africa, boasting an installed capacity to produce 1,500 shoes and cut 10,000 garments daily.
Ntuen revealed that the facility had already supplied thousands of high-quality shoes to the NCoS and was ready to meet the needs of other paramilitary outfits.
“We have the capability to meet the local needs of government agencies, and very soon, we will begin producing for the general public.
“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 also emphasised that the quality of shoes produced at the factory could be compared with global brands, affirming the potential of Nigerian craftsmanship when adequately supported.
NAN