Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has revealed that a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative spearheaded by the Federal Government is now capable of supplying uniforms to Nigeria’s paramilitary agencies through locally established shoe and garment manufacturing hubs.

This initiative, led by the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), is a significant step towards fulfilling the local content policy mandated under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The policy is a key aspect of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes the procurement of made-in-Nigeria products.

A statement released on Sunday by the Acting Head of Media and Publicity, Ifeanyi Nwoko, explained that this move aligns with Tinubu’s broader directive to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign imports.

During a recent visit by Dr. Jimmy Ntuen, CEO of Erojim Investments Limited—the private partner overseeing the Aba factory—the Director General of the ICRC, Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, highlighted the significant production capabilities of the facility.

“With the Aba shoe and garment factory capable of producing 1,500 shoes per day, and a tannery set to open in Kano, we are confident that Nigeria can fully meet the uniform needs of our paramilitary agencies,” Dr. Ewalefoh stated.

“This is not just about producing shoes and garments, it’s about creating jobs, supporting local industries, and reducing our dependency on imports in line with the President’s directive to patronise made-in-Nigeria goods.”

He further described the Renewed Hope Agenda as more than political rhetoric, calling it “a strategic blueprint for self-reliance, local capacity development, and economic growth driven by effective PPPs.”

The World Bank reports that as of 2020, Nigeria had a total of 223,000 personnel across its military and paramilitary bodies—signifying a substantial domestic market for uniforms and equipment.

Dr. Ntuen praised the collaboration between his company, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and the ICRC, crediting their unified efforts for the factory’s successful establishment and operations.

He noted, “Our Aba factory has created over 300 direct jobs, and the new leather, shoe, and garment factory launching in three months will create an additional 340 direct jobs and over 1,500 indirect jobs.”

He described the Aba-based plant as the largest of its kind in West Africa, equipped to manufacture 1,500 pairs of shoes and cut up to 10,000 garment pieces each day.

“We can meet the local needs of government agencies, and very soon, we will begin producing for the general public,” he said.

Ntuen also emphasized the superior quality of the locally made footwear, stating that their products rival global standards—a testament, he said, to the potential of Nigerian craftsmanship when adequately empowered.

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Former Nigerian First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has made it clear she has no interest in returning to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

Instead, she has pledged to support and actively campaign alongside First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.

During an award ceremony in Abuja on Saturday night, where she was honored as the Women Icon Leader of the Year by Accolade Dynamics Limited, Jonathan reaffirmed her support for rotational governance in Nigeria, which she said fosters national harmony.

While giving special recognition to the President’s daughter and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, Jonathan praised her dedication to empowering women.

“I was supposed to call her first, but I saved her for last: the daughter of our wonderful President, the President of Nigeria, the one and only we believe in — President Bola Tinubu.

Iyaloja, thank you for standing with women because these are your women. Carry them along; they are with you,” she said.

Emphasizing her commitment, she continued, “All the way, we are with you. No shaking. We will follow. Direct us, and we will follow.

Because there is only one president at a time. We don’t have two presidents. I am outspoken — if I don’t like something, I will say it. But if I like something, I die for it.

“I believe in one president. I believe in turn-by-turn. When it’s your turn, I will support you. When it’s not your turn, step back—so that the country can move forward.”

Patience Jonathan also touched on her long-standing friendship with Remi Tinubu, which dates back to before either woman became First Lady.

She recalled their collaboration during her time as the wife of a deputy governor and later as a state governor’s wife, emphasizing that their bond has deep roots.

“I didn’t just know her (Senator Oluremi Tinubu) just because she’s the First Lady, no. We worked together. We worked as a group.

“We are groups. We worked when I was a deputy governor’s wife. We worked when I was a governor’s wife. I know her.

I talked with Oluremi. Even when my husband was the vice president, Oluremi stood with her husband and supported us during our first election. They supported us. So, for me, I have a conscience. I cannot abandon my friend, whether you like it or not.”

Jonathan stated unequivocally that she has no intention of seeking power again and would instead focus on supporting the Tinubus.

“Because, you see, this is turn by turn. Today is my turn—I will go. Tomorrow, it will be another person’s turn—then we go. And when we go, will we still meet? Where will we meet? I don’t know.

“I stand by my friend. My friend is great. I told her I would campaign with her. I’m not denying her. I’m not running. I’m not going back to the villa. If you call me, I will not go.

“I say it every day. Don’t you like how young I look? People say, ‘Mama, you are young, you are young!’ it is because I have rest of mind, yes. I don’t want to go there—let my friend be there.

Let me also ‘wahala’ her the way she used to ‘wahala’ me when I was there! Let me also tease her. And until she comes out, she will be young. But for now, she won’t be young.”

In her remarks, Jonathan also championed gender equality in politics and expressed disappointment over repeated failures by lawmakers to pass gender equity legislation.

“During Obasanjo’s time, we worked for it, and the Executive approved 35 per cent. My husband also maintained it. But when it comes to elective positions, the men dominate and shut us out.

May God touch their hearts to understand that we are their mothers, sisters, and friends. We are not trying to take power from them—we are trying to support them.”

Accepting the award, Jonathan dedicated the recognition to the efforts of many others working to uplift women and communities in Nigeria.

“I am deeply humbled to receive this prestigious Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award. I accept this honour not just as a personal recognition, but as a testament to the tireless efforts of countless women and men who have worked alongside me to promote good health and economic development for women in Nigeria and beyond.”

She highlighted the work of her initiatives—the Aurora Richard Foundation and the Women for Change and Development Initiative—which have supported skill-building for thousands of women and youth and provided life-saving medical assistance to children with serious health issues.

Accolade Dynamics’ Managing Director and CEO, Ms. Dofan Chizaram, who hosted the event, emphasized the importance of celebrating those making a difference.

“This night is about celebrating the legends who have uplifted women and the broader community. We want to acknowledge their value while they are still with us,” she said.

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