A major step toward youth empowerment and the growth of Nigeria’s fashion sector was taken on Wednesday with the launch of a new initiative to build sustainable embroidery-based businesses across the country.
The project, spearheaded by Nigerian firm Embroidery Chief in collaboration with leading Chinese embroidery machine manufacturers Dahao and Futong, was unveiled during a stakeholders’ forum in Abuja themed “Stitching the Future: Building Sustainable Embroidery Businesses in Africa.”
Founder of Embroidery Chief, Mr. Lukman Abdulsalam, said the initiative aims to equip young Nigerians with embroidery and fashion design skills, enabling them to create profitable ventures. The programme will kick off with the establishment of innovation hubs in 10 states including Lagos and Kano. Each hub will be fitted with 50 embroidery machines, made available at subsidized rates.
“We want to empower individuals by providing training in digital design, machine operation, and maintenance,” Abdulsalam said. “The fashion industry has untapped potential, and with the right skills and tools, our youth can build viable careers and businesses.”
The training will be rolled out in three phases: one month on design, two weeks on machine operations, and another month on technical repairs and maintenance.
Abdulsalam noted that the initiative is not only about skill-building but also about sparking creativity and bridging the technical gap in fashion production, particularly in embroidery design.
In his remarks, Mr. Michael Zuo, Senior Sales Executive at Dahao, expressed interest in establishing a branch office in Nigeria to strengthen the country’s embroidery ecosystem and support local entrepreneurs.
Also present at the event was the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, Hon. Adamson Ayinde, represented by Dr. Taiwo Bashir, who commended the initiative as a valuable opportunity for Nigeria’s youth.
“This is a golden opportunity. The embroidery industry is worth millions and still largely untapped in Nigeria. The government is open to collaboration and support to help make this initiative successful,” Dr. Bashir said.
The initiative marks a significant step toward unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s creative economy, with stakeholders optimistic about its long-term impact on employment, innovation, and youth-led enterprise development.
