FG sets plans for worldwide recognition for artisans — Ogun-DG
The Industrial Training Fund Director-General, Oluwatoyin Ogun
*Says artisans constitute about 80% of Nigeria’s workforce.
The Industrial Training Fund Director-General, Oluwatoyin Ogun, has expressed the commitment of the Federal Government to scale up the skills and recognition of Nigerian artisans to International Standards through strategic partnerships.
The ITF boss said the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to working with artisans across the country to formalise and upgrade their trades to international standards.
The DG made this known at the Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Exhibition and Fair held on Tuesday in Abuja.
The event, themed “Empowering Nigerian Artisans and Technicians for Economic Development,” gathered together artisans across the country.
Oluwatoyin noted that artisans, who had long been overlooked, were now being given attention by the present government.
“Now that you are remembered by this administration, this administration is set to make your informal setting, the unorganised artisanry, the unorganised trade, formal and organised. This government is ready to work with artisans,” he said.
The ITF boss acknowledged the limited access to training for local artisans but stressed that the President had “taken the bull by the horns” by directing the Fund to scale up Nigerian artisans to global standards.
“In addition to the president, his government also consists of the Bank of Industry, and ITF is also ready, getting ready with the business incubation, where businesses will be incubated by artisans. It is one of the outcomes of our super programme,” he added.
According to him, the collaboration will not only provide training but also create incubation centres to help artisans build sustainable businesses that can compete globally.
Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations and former Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Sanusi Rikiji, disclosed that Nigeria will host 75 countries during the intra-African trade fair scheduled for 2026.
Rikiji made this known while giving a welcome address. He also commended the contribution of artisans and technicians to nation-building.
“This second Artisans and Technician Exhibition here tonight has made Abuja a one-stop shop to our esteemed leaders and distinguished guests. Trade is a lifeline of every nation and is similar to the artery in the human body,” he said.
He stressed that artisans and technicians constitute about 80 per cent of Nigeria’s workforce, describing them as critical players in sustaining the nearly 230 million consumer-based economy.
“I take great pride in identifying with these patriots as they backstop the Nigerian economy. I specifically commend the leadership for its unity of purpose and for maintaining a broad voice and a common direction at all times”, Rikiji added.
The NOTN DG urged artisans and technicians to mentor the next generation to ensure continuity and sustainability of skills in the sector, noting that exhibitions create platforms to showcase Nigeria’s cultural heritage and promote national development.
“Nigeria is a land of great resources, human capital, and many other strengths. I therefore urge us to remain united so that collectively we can achieve the agenda of the government,” he said.
