NIGERIA: FG Launches Skill-Up Programme To Train 100,000 Artisans Across Nigeria

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to train at least 100,000 artisans under the newly launched “Skill Up Artisan Super” initiative, a flagship empowerment programme under President Bola Tinubu’s administration aimed at raising the competence of Nigerian artisans to global standards.

The Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Afiz Ogun, disclosed this on Monday during the commissioning of the South-West Secretariat of the Association of Nigeria Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT) in Akure, Ondo State.

Speaking at the event, Ogun said the programme is designed to eliminate quackery and restore dignity in vocational trades across Nigeria.

According to him, the president is fulfilling his campaign promise to uplift artisans from all sectors, including tailors, barbers, mechanics, electricians, and technicians, regardless of their location or political affiliation.

Ogun said, “President Tinubu has said that every artisan in Nigeria is his constituent. He is committed to upgrading their skills and ensuring they are globally competitive. This is the first time a Nigerian president has prioritised artisans in this way.”

The ITF boss noted that 29,000 Nigerians benefited from the pilot phase of the programme in 2024. Building on that success, the government now targets an expanded reach in 2025, aiming to skill up 100,000 artisans nationwide.

Ogun emphasised that the initiative is not only about technical training but also about boosting national pride and economic independence.

He added that by providing artisans with globally relevant skills, the government hopes to end the trend of skilled workers abandoning their trades for informal jobs such as commercial motorcycle riding.

He further stated: “When artisans can earn respectably from their work, they’ll no longer see the need to abandon their profession. “There will be dignity in labour once again.”

Also, speaking at the event, the state chairman of ASNAT, Mr. Babatunde Oyeleye urged members to fully embrace the programme, stressing that the opportunity to upgrade their skills to international standards should not be missed.

Oyeleye emphasised: “This is a turning point for Nigerian artisans. Not many of us have had access to university education, but with this intervention, we can still reach the highest professional standards.”