EPISODE · Oct 15, 2025 · 8 MIN
Are we about to see more ‘Made in Nigeria’ leather goods?
from What in the World · host BBC World Service
If you’ve checked out the label of your favourite leather accessories lately, you might see Made in China or Italy… but perhaps not Nigeria. The country exports nearly 90% of its hides, as part of a historic leather industry that feeds luxury labels around the world. But because the products are finished off abroad, you wouldn't know their origins. Now, Nigerian designers are working to change this and reclaim ownership. BBC reporter Elaine Chong explains how Nigerian tanneries make their leather - and why it’s so in demand. We hear from Nigerians working in the leather industry, who tell us how it’s changing. And Adedoyin Adeniji, a fashion writer who has worked with several Nigerian brands, tells us what challenges leather designers there are facing — and how they are working to overcome them.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Emily Horler and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde
What this episode covers
If you’ve checked out the label of your favourite leather accessories lately, you might see Made in China or Italy… but perhaps not Nigeria. The country exports nearly 90% of its hides, as part of a historic leather industry that feeds luxury labels around the world. But because the products are finished off abroad, you wouldn't know their origins. Now, Nigerian designers are working to change this and reclaim ownership. BBC reporter Elaine Chong explains how Nigerian tanneries make their leather - and why it’s so in demand. We hear from Nigerians working in the leather industry, who tell us how it’s changing. And Adedoyin Adeniji, a fashion writer who has worked with several Nigerian brands, tells us what challenges leather designers there are facing — and how they are working to overcome them.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Emily Horler and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde
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Are we about to see more ‘Made in Nigeria’ leather goods?
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