NCDMB Backs Yikodeen as It Unveils Africa’s Largest Safety Footwear Factory in Lagos
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has pledged its unwavering support for Yikodeen Company Limited as the indigenous firm expands its production of world-class safety boots in Lagos.
Yikodeen officially launched its 120,000-square-foot safety footwear factory in Ejigbo, Lagos State, on Tuesday, a facility now capable of producing 5,000 pairs of safety boots daily. The state-of-the-art facility marks a significant milestone for local manufacturing and industrial growth in Nigeria.
NCDMB Commits to Local Utilisation of Yikodeen’s Products
Speaking at the inauguration, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, NCDMB’s Director of Capacity Building (representing the Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe), described the event as a “landmark moment” that aligns with the Board’s mandate to grow local content across Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain.
“The ‘D’ in NCDMB stands for Development, and the ‘M’ is for Monitoring,” said Bamidele. “We don’t just want Nigerian-made products; we want them used. That’s why we are fully behind Yikodeen.”
He emphasized that Yikodeen’s globally compliant safety boots are already being adopted by oil and gas giants and affirmed the Board’s readiness to push for their broader use across Nigeria.
Federal Policy Favors Local Procurement
Engr. Bamidele highlighted the Federal Government’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy, which mandates that safety boots procured with public funds must be made locally.
“Yikodeen stands to benefit immensely from this policy if it is strategically positioned,” he noted.
He also lauded the resilience of Yikodeen’s founder, Atunde Shamsideen, calling his entrepreneurial journey “a source of national inspiration.”
Lagos Governor Hails Factory as a Model for Industrial Growth
Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, praised Yikodeen’s journey from a small workshop in 2016 to becoming the largest footwear manufacturer in West Africa.
“This factory is not just a facility—it’s a movement,” she said. “It aligns with our 2025–2030 Industrial Policy aimed at doubling manufacturing’s GDP contribution.”
The Governor reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses like Yikodeen to flourish.
A Dream Turned Global Business
Yikodeen’s CEO, Atunde Shamsideen, traced his journey from producing 20 pairs of shoes in a single room in 2015 to manufacturing thousands daily, meeting ISO, ASTM, and Nigerian standards.
“It started as a stubborn dream,” Shamsideen said. “Thanks to NCDMB’s support, we broke into the oil and gas market, with major clients like Saipem and Daewoo.”
He emphasized the company’s role in job creation, estimating over 35,000 new jobs could emerge if local procurement is enforced in key sectors.
A Hub for Training and Empowerment
Yikodeen also engages women in raw material recycling and trains more than 1,000 individuals annually. Shamsideen stressed the broader value of buying Made-in-Nigeria:
“It’s not just about commerce—it’s about building livelihoods and national dignity.”
Recognized for Quality by Standards Organisation of Nigeria
Mrs. Teresa Ojomo, Director of Lagos Operations for the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), applauded Yikodeen’s compliance with critical safety standards, including NIS ISO 20346:2004 and ISO 20345:2022.
“Standards are not obstacles; they’re enablers,” said Ojomo. “Yikodeen is proof that Nigerian products can compete globally.”
Royal Endorsement for a National Vision
Representing HRM, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR (the Olu of Warri), Chief Brown Mene described Yikodeen as “a beacon of hope” and encouraged the company to scale globally.
“Yikodeen is a stubborn vision that refused to quit. Its light will blaze even brighter on the global stage.”
