N3.6bn artisan support has been approved by President Bola Tinubu to empower tailors under the Industrial Training Fund’s (ITF) Skill Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), providing training, tools and business opportunities.
The initiative aims to strengthen Nigeria’s informal sector, create jobs and develop artisans with globally competitive skills.
ITF Director-General Afiz Ogun announced the approval on Wednesday in Abuja during the nationwide screening of applicants for the 2026 SUPA programme.
The ITF has started screening applicants across the country to identify genuine artisans who qualify for the programme. According to Ogun, the exercise will help officials select participants who are ready to improve their skills and build sustainable businesses.
He explained that the screening goes beyond checking documents. Officials will also assess applicants’ skills, commitment and willingness to participate in the training.
“Some people say they are artisans, but they are not. Some people only want to collect government support without taking part in the training. We want real artisans who are ready to grow,” Ogun said.
Ogun revealed that about 200,000 artisans will benefit from the 2026 edition of SUPA. He added that the ITF has trained hundreds of thousands of artisans since the programme started in 2024.
Furthermore, he described SUPA as one of President Tinubu’s major programmes for improving Nigeria’s technical and vocational workforce.
This year, the government will focus on supporting tailors because they make up a large number of programme participants. Successful tailors will receive industrial equipment to help them expand their businesses.
The support package includes industrial sewing machines, overlock machines, electric cutters, specialised stitching tools, scissors, consumables and branded business signboards.
Meanwhile, Ogun said beneficiaries will follow one of three paths after completing the programme. They will either receive international employment opportunities, connect with employers or join a business incubation programme.
The government introduced this approach because many previous beneficiaries sold starter equipment instead of using it to grow their businesses.
Ogun said President Tinubu created SUPA after noticing the growing presence of foreign artisans in Nigeria’s informal economy.
He explained that artisans from countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, China and neighbouring African nations have taken opportunities that Nigerian workers could fill.
As a result, the programme will register artisans, provide recognised certificates and introduce a licensing system.
The system will allow Nigerians to verify artisans’ skills and improve trust in vocational services.
“The President wants Nigerian artisans to receive training, certification and licences. Customers should be able to verify the credentials of plumbers, electricians and other professionals,” Ogun said.
In addition to tools, beneficiaries will receive mentorship, entrepreneurship training and technical support.
ITF extension workers trained by the International Labour Organisation will continue supporting artisans after graduation. Technical teams will also help beneficiaries maintain and repair their equipment when necessary.
The ITF also plans to launch a digital marketplace for certified artisans. Through the platform, artisans will showcase their projects, receive customer ratings and connect with potential clients.
Ultimately, the initiative will help Nigerians find qualified artisans while improving service delivery and increasing workers’ income.
The Federal Government launched the Skill Up Artisans Programme in 2024 to formalise Nigeria’s informal sector.
The programme provides modern technical skills, certifications and business support for artisans in areas such as tailoring, plumbing, electrical installation, welding and carpentry.
With the latest investment, the government hopes to reduce unemployment and create a new generation of skilled Nigerian artisans who can compete locally and internationally.
