The Federal Government has approved ₦3.6 billion to support tailors under the Industrial Training Fund’s (ITF) Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s informal sector, create jobs and develop globally competitive artisans.
The Director-General of the ITF, Afiz Ogun, disclosed this in Abuja during the nationwide screening of applicants for the 2026 edition of the programme.
According to him, the funding will be used to establish business incubation centres for tailors, who make up a significant proportion of participants in the initiative.
Ogun explained that the screening exercise is aimed at ensuring that only genuine artisans benefit from the programme, stressing that successful applicants will either be prepared for international employment opportunities, linked directly with employers or enrolled in a structured business incubation scheme.
He noted that the exercise goes beyond document verification, as it also assesses the skills, commitment and readiness of applicants to undergo training.
The ITF boss said about 200,000 artisans are expected to benefit from the first phase of the 2026 programme, adding that hundreds of thousands have already been trained since the initiative was launched in 2024.
He described the Skill Up Artisans Programme as one of President Bola Tinubu’s flagship initiatives aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s technical and vocational workforce and reducing dependence on foreign artisans.
According to Ogun, the programme seeks to organise the country’s informal technical sector by registering artisans, providing internationally recognised certifications and introducing a licensing framework that will improve professionalism, service quality and accountability.
He said the screening exercise is taking place simultaneously across all senatorial districts, with multiple screening centres established to accommodate applicants nationwide.
On post-training support, Ogun explained that the government has discontinued the practice of distributing starter packs immediately after graduation because many beneficiaries sold the equipment instead of using it to establish businesses.
Instead, beneficiaries will exit the programme through three pathways—international job placement, direct employment or business incubation.
He disclosed that tailors selected for the incubation programme will receive industrial-grade equipment, including industrial sewing machines, overlock machines, specialised stitching machines, electric cutters, scissors, consumables and branded business signboards.
Beyond equipment, beneficiaries will also receive long-term mentorship, entrepreneurship training and technical support, with extension officers providing continuous guidance to ensure the sustainability of their businesses.
The ITF also announced plans to introduce a digital marketplace that will enable certified artisans to showcase completed projects, receive customer ratings and connect directly with prospective clients.
The platform is expected to improve access to verified artisans, enhance service delivery and increase income opportunities for skilled workers across the country.
The Federal Government expressed confidence that the initiative will boost skills development, reduce unemployment and produce a new generation of certified Nigerian artisans capable of competing successfully in both local and international markets.
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