Tinubu approves N3.6bn to empower tailors under ITF skills programme

The Federal Government has allocated N3.6 billion to support tailors under the Industrial Training Fund's (ITF) Skill Up Artisans Programme (SUPA). This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen Nigeria's informal sector, generate employment, and cultivate artisans capable of competing internationally.

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For this year, we are incubating businesses for tailors because they constitute a large number of participants. The President has approved N3.6bn for this initiative.

Afiz Ogun, Director-General and Chief Executive of the ITF, announced the funding during the nationwide screening of applicants for the 2026 SUPA edition in Abuja. He explained that the screening process ensures only genuine artisans benefit from the program, with successful applicants being prepared for international employment, linked with employers, or enrolled in business incubation.

Ogun highlighted that this year's program focuses on incubating businesses for tailors due to their large numbers among participants. He emphasized that the screening goes beyond document verification to assess applicants' skills, commitment, and readiness for training, aiming to prevent individuals from merely collecting government funds without engaging in skill development.

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We are screening them because some people will say they are artisans, but they are not artisans. Some people just want to come and collect the Federal Government money and go. They will not participate in the training. We want real artisans who are ready to scale up and improve their skills.

President Bola Tinubu initiated the SUPA program after observing the increasing presence of foreign artisans in Nigeria's informal economy. Artisans from neighboring African countries, as well as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and China, have been filling opportunities that could otherwise be taken by Nigerians. The program seeks to organize the informal technical sector by registering artisans, providing internationally recognized certifications, and introducing a licensing framework to enhance professionalism and accountability.

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The President wants Nigerian artisans to be trained, certified and licensed. When you engage a plumber or an electrician, you should be able to verify the person’s credentials, track performance and hold them accountable. This will improve service quality and create confidence in the sector.