NALPAN National Executive

NATIONAL LEATHER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PROFILE.

 NALPAN National President 

Mustapha Nabegu  

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With over 30 years of experience in the leather industry, I, Mustapha Nabegu, have had the honor of contributing to the growth and development of this sector. I hold a HND in Metallurgical Engineering and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management, which, combined with my extensive experience at Nabegu Tannery and my leadership role as CEO of Slimpot Nig Ltd., have provided me with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our industry. My tenure as Chairman of the Leather and Allied Products Association of Nigeria (LAPAN) has further solidified my commitment to advancing the leather value chain in Nigeria. I am passionate about leading NALPAN towards greater heights and seek your support to serve as its Chairman.

 2. Vision and Mission

My vision is to elevate NALPAN into a globally recognized center for innovation, sustainability, and excellence in leather and allied products. I am dedicated to unifying all Leather Value Chain Actors (LVCA) and affiliated associations to ensure our industry not only thrives but also significantly contributes to Nigeria’s economic prosperity.

 3. Objectives

- Strengthening Industry Collaboration: Foster stronger collaboration across all segments of the leather value chain, including tanners, finished leather product manufacturers, and researchers.

- Advocacy and Policy Influence:

 Intensify our advocacy to ensure the enactment and implementation of favorable policies for the leather industry.

- Capacity Building: 

Expand training and capacity-building initiatives for all members to enhance their skills and competitiveness.

- Market Expansion:

 Identify and develop new markets for Nigerian leather products both locally and globally.

- Innovation and Sustainability: 

Champion research and innovation in sustainable leather processing and product development.

4. Proposed Strategies

- *Regular Stakeholder Engagement:* Conduct quarterly meetings with representatives from all LVCA segments to discuss challenges, share insights, and plan collaborative efforts.

- Policy Roundtables:

Create a policy advisory committee within NALPAN to engage with government officials, policymakers, and international bodies on industry-related issues.

- Training Programs:

 Collaborate with academia, research institutions, and international organizations to develop customized training modules for our members.

- Trade Missions:

Lead delegations to international trade fairs and exhibitions to showcase Nigerian leather products and attract foreign investment.

- Sustainability Initiatives:

Launch a "Green Leather" initiative focused on promoting eco-friendly production practices and minimizing waste in the industry.

 5. Achievements

During my tenure as Chairman of LAPAN, I led an advocacy team to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, resulting in several key achievements:

1. Establishment of a Leather Desk:

 Successfully advocated for the creation of a leather desk at the ministry to prioritize industry-specific issues.

2. Inclusion of Leather in GES: 

Secured the inclusion of leather in the Growth and Enhancement Scheme (GES), benefiting stakeholders across the value chain.

3. Mini Leather Fairs:

Organized three mini leather fairs in collaboration with the ministry, providing a platform for industry stakeholders to showcase their products.

4. Skills Upgrading for Women:

 Implemented a skills enhancement program for women in leather bag manufacturing, empowering them with valuable skills and improving their livelihoods.

5. Leather Transformation Committee:

 Established a Leather Transformation Committee in alignment with the government’s transformation agenda, actively contributing to the formulation of the Leather Transformation Agenda.

Under my leadership, LAPAN organized the first Leather Summit in Nigeria, tagged LERIS, in 2013 at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja. The summit, opened by the then Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, and closed by the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, culminated in the formation of a National Leather Advisory Committee, with LAPAN securing three representative seats on the 10-member Leather Revolution Committee.

Our advocacy efforts on the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) involved multiple engagements, including appearances before the House of Representatives Committees on Customs, Finance, and Commerce, as well as strategic meetings with ministers. These efforts led to the suspension and subsequent repackaging of the EEG scheme, benefiting the industry.

Furthermore, our well-planned loan model enabled members to access various loans from institutions such as the Bank of Industry (BOI), National Economic Reconstruction Fund (NERFUND), Bank of Agriculture, and several commercial banks. Our advocacy to the Development Finance Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) also resulted in the inclusion of leather as one of the seven agricultural products that piloted the NIRSAL project.

  6. Commitment to Members

I am committed to leading NALPAN with transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness. I will ensure that the voices of all members are heard and that decisions are made in the best interest of our collective future. Regular updates and open communication will be a cornerstone of my leadership.

7. Conclusion

I believe that together, we can unlock the full potential of Nigeria's leather industry. I humbly ask for your support in this election so that we can work together to achieve our shared vision of a thriving and prosperous NALPAN. Vote Mustapha Nabegu for progress!

HON. OSEMWENGIE VICTOR ODION 

NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT, NALPAN NIGERIA.