Nigeria Boosts Embroidery Sector with 'Broderchef' Project
Entrepreneur Lukman Abdulsalam, also known as 'Broderchef', is leading an ambitious project to transform Nigeria's embroidery sector into a structured, income-generating industry. The Office of the President has pledged support, including subsidies for embroidery machines and technical training, to boost this initiative.
Abdulsalam's project, 'Embroidery Chief', aims to establish embroidery hubs across 10 African states, each equipped with 50 machines. This will create jobs for unemployed youth and aspiring fashion entrepreneurs. The hubs will offer hands-on training in digital design, bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern technology.
Civil society groups and government agencies like SMEDAN are supporting the initiative to promote economic inclusion and reduce youth restiveness. A trained user could earn at least N600,000 in a week by renting a tailoring machine for N100,000, keeping all earnings after the rental fee. Abdulsalam's efforts have attracted international interest, with partnerships secured with Chinese embroidery machine company FUTONG and global software giant Dahao.
The global embroidery services market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.9% through 2034, driven by increasing demand for custom apparel and corporate branding. In Nigeria, the fashion industry is valued at over $10 billion, but embroidery remains underdeveloped. With Abdulsalam's vision and government support, Nigeria is boosting efforts to combat high youth unemployment through innovative solutions like embroidery as a tool for economic empowerment and job creation.
