In a move to reduce unemployment and strengthen skills development, the Federal Government of Nigeria has approved N3.6 billion to support tailors under the Industrial Training Fund’s Skill Up Artisans Programme.
This was revealed on Wednesday by the director general of the programme, Afiz Ogun, in Abuja, during the 2026 edition of the screening of applicants.
Ogun disclosed that the programme would produce a new generation of certified Nigerian artisans who would compete for opportunities in and out the country.
According to him, “the Skill Up Artisans Programme was launched by the federal government in 2024 to formalise Nigeria’s vast informal sector by equipping artisans with modern technical skills, internationally recognised certifications and business support.
“It is part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s informal sector, create jobs and produce globally competitive artisans.
“The screening exercise was designed to ensure that only genuine artisans benefited from the initiative, noting that successful applicants would either be prepared for international employment opportunities, linked directly with employers or enrolled in a structured business incubation programme.”
According to him, “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.
“The screening exercise was more than a document verification process, describing it as an opportunity to assess applicants’ skills, commitment and readiness for training.
“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.”
“The ongoing exercise marks the first phase of the 2026 SUPA programme, with about 200,000 artisans expected to benefit nationwide.
“The programme was designed to organise Nigeria’s informal technical sector by registering artisans, issuing internationally recognised and local certifications, and introducing a licensing framework that would improve professionalism and accountability.”
He revealed that the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 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.
“The support package includes industrial sewing machines, overlock machines, specialised stitching equipment, electric cutters, scissors, consumables and branded business signboards.
Beyond the equipment, Ogun said beneficiaries would receive long-term mentoring, entrepreneurship support and technical assistance to ensure the sustainability of their businesses.
“Our extension workers, who have been trained by the International Labour Organisation, will continue to support them after the training. Technical teams will also help them maintain and repair their equipment where necessary.”
