The Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, has brought together artisans from Nigeria's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja for a meeting aimed at strengthening the Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme. The gathering, held under the Nigeria Artisans for the Renewed Hope Initiative (NARHI), took place at the Skills House in Abuja and focused on ensuring that government support reaches only genuine tradespeople.
ITF Tightens Screening After Discovering Fake Artisans
Dr Ogun told attendees that the fund had revised its screening process following findings that some applicants who identified as artisans had no real knowledge of their claimed trades. He cited examples of the problem: "We found welders who could not explain what an electrode is, mechanics who did not understand carburetors, and tailors who could not explain basic clothing techniques."
As a corrective measure, ITF area offices have been directed to work with artisans' associations that state governors formally recognise. Dr Ogun said this step is designed to protect the integrity of SUPA and make sure support flows to the right people. He also spoke about the Skills House, calling it "the home of skills" and encouraging artisans to use the facility to sharpen their abilities and address challenges in their respective trades.
SUPA Programme Progress and Global Competitiveness Goals
Dr Ogun noted that the 2025 edition of SUPA was an improvement on 2024, and said he expects the 2026 edition to raise the bar further. He linked the programme to the broader goal of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, which he described as making Nigerian artisans competitive at a global level.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, Hon. Adamson Oluwatosin Ayinde, also addressed the artisans at the event. He asked those present to return to their home states and share information about what the Tinubu administration has delivered so far.
Presidential Aide Announces NIMS 2.0 Summit
Ayinde also announced that formal invitations would be extended to artisans across the country to participate in the 2026 National Industrial Manpower Summit, known as NIMS 2.0, which will centre on building Nigeria's industrial workforce.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the federal government approved ₦3.6 billion to support about 200,000 tailors under the ITF's SUPA Programme, in a major push to strengthen small businesses, expand employment opportunities and build a globally competitive artisan workforce. The intervention, targeted at one of Nigeria's largest artisan groups, forms part of the federal government's broader strategy to improve technical and vocational skills while helping small enterprises grow into sustainable businesses. Dr Ogun announced the approval during the nationwide screening of applicants for the 2026 edition of the SUPA Programme in Abuja.
