West Africa’s largest safety footwear factory for commissioning

West Africa’s largest safety footwear factory for commissioning

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led the commissioning of Yikodeen’s newly expanded manufacturing plant, now the largest safety footwear factory in West Africa. The state-of-the-art 120,000-square-foot facility can produce 5,000 pairs of safety boots daily—a 250% increase from the company’s original 20 pairs per day in 2016. The event attracted prominent dignitaries including traditional rulers and industry leaders.

Yikodeen’s CEO, Atunde Shamsideen Olayinka, described the commissioning as more than just opening a factory; it symbolizes Nigeria’s industrial self-reliance and the potential for local talent and investment to drive national development. The factory features advanced European automated production lines and quality control systems, supporting diverse products like industrial safety boots, educational footwear, and athletic shoes under the Yiko Plus brand.

Since expansion began, Yikodeen has created over 180 skilled jobs with plans to hire more, projecting an annual economic impact exceeding N5 billion through employment, local procurement, and supply chain activities. The upgrade was fueled by a multi-million-dollar investment from Aruwa Capital Management, a women-founded Nigerian private equity firm, which also helped accelerate digital transformation and regional market expansion.

The company remains the only safety footwear manufacturer certified by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for oil and gas sector supply, allowing it to secure major contracts and set local content as a competitive standard. Yikodeen’s growth is highlighted in a documentary showing its journey from a small enterprise in 2016 to a continental leader in 2025. The company also invests in youth training, mentorship, and SME support.

During the ceremony, guests toured the advanced production lines and experienced product displays showcasing innovations in durability and safety. Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the critical role of supporting local manufacturers to drive Lagos’ economic transformation.

Yikodeen aims to expand exports to West and Central Africa, positioning Nigeria as a hub for industrial excellence. The commissioning event, themed “The Walk That Matters,” underscores the company’s mission to prove that high-quality, innovative products can be made locally at scale, contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economy and industrial future.