By BUKAR Mohammed
Lagos State does not rear cattle, goats, or sheep in any meaningful quantity. Yet, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has just inaugurated an Industrial Leather Hub in Mushin and projected a staggering ₦387.5 billion in annual export earnings once it becomes fully operational.
The irony is glaring. Lagos, a non producer of livestock, is positioning itself as the leather logistics capital of West Africa, while the North , the nation’s largest producer of hides and skins continues to export nothing but raw materials and wasted potential.
Governor Sanwo Olu called the project a bold step toward diversifying Nigeria’s economy beyond oil. He is right. But one must ask: why is Lagos leading this charge when the North holds the raw advantage?
Kano, Sokoto, Katsina, Bauchi, and Borno are overflowing with cattle and goats. The North is blessed with abundant hides and skins that could feed dozens of tanneries and leather hubs. Yet, instead of building industries, processing plants, and export strategies, northern governors are busy trailing the corridors of Aso Rock, seeking presidential favors rather than building their states.
Lagos has no animals, but it has vision. The North has the animals, but its leaders lack foresight. This is why Lagos will soon dominate the global leather export market, while the North remains a region of raw producers and poor people.
The lesson is clear: resources alone do not make wealth, leadership and vision do. Until northern leaders stop licking the political footpath of the president and start harnessing the resources of their states, the North will remain trapped in poverty while Lagos and others reap the benefits of innovation.
If Lagos can project ₦387.5 billion without owning the raw materials, imagine what the North could achieve if it took itself seriously.
