FG sets aside N3.6bn to support tailors, other artisans

By Obaloluwa Darasimi

The Federal Government has approved the release of N3.6 billion to support artisans across the country, with a major focus on the tailoring industry under the Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme.

The Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr Hafiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, disclosed this in Abuja during the registration and screening exercise for the third phase of the SUPA programme.

According to Ogun, President Bola Tinubu directed that the fund be earmarked for artisans, particularly tailors, who constitute the largest group of artisans in Nigeria.

He said that under this year’s programme, the ITF would concentrate on strengthening tailoring businesses by providing training, business incubation and other forms of support.

Ogun added that the agency targets no fewer than 200,000 beneficiaries in the tailoring sector during the current phase of the initiative, describing the programme as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to enhance vocational skills, promote entrepreneurship and create sustainable employment opportunities.

Ogun said SUPA is a pet project of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. “The President is not happy that for as little as a plumbing job, Nigerians import skilled artisans from neighbouring countries; they even go as far as China, Bangladesh and far-off countries to bring in artisans, meanwhile able men and women are crying for jobs in Nigeria.

“This shows that the Nigerian informal sector has not been organised in years, which is why the President is doing all it takes to ensure the ITF organises the skill sector, and it is being done through the SUPA program.

“The order is to ensure artisans are well trained and meet up to global standards. After their training, if they do well, they should be given both local and international certificates. Their jobs and crafts should be licensed and captured under national data.”

The Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr Hafiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, said the Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme is being implemented across all the senatorial districts in the country, with some districts operating between two and three training centres.

He explained that the programme offers three pathways for participants upon completion, one of which is talent export.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu is not opposed to Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad but has consistently advised those intending to relocate to first acquire marketable skills and obtain recognised certifications that would make them competitive in the global labour market.

Ogun also disclosed that the ITF would assist graduates of the programme to secure employment in industries. He said beneficiaries’ profiles, including their skills and areas of expertise, would be uploaded to the ITF marketplace and integrated into the agency’s database.

He explained that the platform would enable prospective employers and clients to search for artisans by name or skill, making it easier for trained participants to access job and business opportunities.