Kano, January 9, 2026 – The Federal Government has reiterated its dedication to upskilling artisans at the grassroots level to enable them to meet national and international standards, as part of efforts to foster sustainable livelihoods and economic productivity.
Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, made this assurance on Thursday during the official opening of the Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) North-West Zonal Rally in Kano. Represented by the outgoing North-West Zonal Director, Mallam Muhammad Aminu, Ogun described the SUPA initiative as a flagship programme designed to transform informal skills into certified, marketable competencies.
The rally, aimed at raising awareness and encouraging participation across the North-West region, drew hundreds of artisans from trades such as electrical installation, plumbing, welding and fabrication, carpentry, tiling, fashion design, and ICT. It forms part of a nationwide sensitization drive to onboard more beneficiaries into the programme, which aligns with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
Ogun emphasized that SUPA seeks to restore dignity to skilled labour while equipping artisans with modern, tech-driven training, official licensing, and essential toolkits. "The programme focuses on turning artisans into employers of labour rather than job seekers," he stated, adding that it addresses the foundational skills needed for a robust economy.
“We are calling on artisans in the North-West region to embrace the SUPA programme to upgrade their skills, improve their productivity, increase their income, and position themselves to compete not just locally, but nationally and globally,” Ogun urged.
The SUPA initiative, launched under the current ITF leadership, has already registered hundreds of thousands of artisans nationwide, with ongoing screening and training phases. The programme provides practical, market-driven interventions, including certifications recognized internationally, to elevate informal sector workers who form a critical part of Nigeria's workforce.
Participants at the Kano rally expressed enthusiasm, noting that the programme offers opportunities for formal recognition and access to better tools, potentially boosting their earnings and employability. Regional coordinators highlighted the inclusion of soft skills and entrepreneurship training to help artisans scale their businesses.
This zonal rally follows similar events in other geopolitical zones, as ITF ramps up efforts to achieve broader coverage. The Fund has previously reported empowering millions through various skills acquisition schemes, with SUPA standing out for its targeted approach to the informal sector.
The event underscores the government's focus on human capital development amid economic reforms, aiming to reduce unemployment and promote self-reliance. Artisans in attendance commended the initiative, calling for sustained funding and expanded training centres to accommodate more participants.
As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy and enhance vocational competencies, programmes like SUPA are positioned as key drivers for inclusive growth, particularly in regions with high concentrations of informal workers.
