RFID tags to identify Nigerian footwear

It is hoped that radio frequency identification technology will provide valuable industry data.

Plans have been revealed to affix special radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to footwear and leathergoods made in the Nigerian city of Aba. This step is to be taken in order to help government officials and other stakeholders obtain accurate data on the sector, as well as to prevent unofficial exports from the local factories.

According to Ken Anyanwu, National Secretary of the Association of Leather and Allied Industrialists of Nigeria (ALAIN) has said that the tags are ready and will be used after discussions with sponsors have been concluded.

“This development was necessitated, due to unofficial export that goes on in the sector, as it has been difficult for policy makers to get accurate data to develop the sector and this is one of the issues, the RFID enabled technology, would help solve,” he stated.

Mr Anyanwu further explained that the use of RFID would allow for the development of a management technology system to provide transparency and accountability in the leather sector.

Nigerians reportedly need an average of 320 million pairs of shoes each year. However, until now there has been a lack of data to indicate the level of imports, the quantity produced locally, the nation’s footwear production capacity and how to increase local production. It is hoped that an RFID-enabled system will provide valuable information, as well as helping to address investment and quality issues.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 4 of the October 2012 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

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