The Federal Government and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) have set up an initiative called Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) which is committed to up-skilling, licensing, and empowering 10 million artisans in Nigeria over the period of two years.
The initiative is led by the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite.
We learnt that the aim is to create a focus on blue-collar jobs, asides the white-collar ones in order to align with global shifts favoring skilled labor due to technological advancements.
Therefore, according to Dr. Anite, the SUPA program will address the scarcity of certified artisans by coordinating efforts for certification and licensing.
This is in line with the Federal Government’s plan to upscale unlicensed artisans, emphasizing skills development to foster societal prosperity and equality. The initiative seeks to improve service quality, promote small and medium-sized enterprises, and reduce labor import dependency, ultimately empowering 10 million Nigerians and enhancing economic development nationwide.
Objectives of the program
Dr. Anite disclosed that this intuitive will enable the Federal Government:
Identify and categorise artisans across the different sectors of the economy.
Provide comprehensive Industry 4.0 compliant and certified training programs, including health and safety programmes for various trades such as carpentry, masonry, plumbing, electrical work, and many more.
Artisans on the other hand, will:
Have access to essential tools, equipment and funds to expand their trades.
Get certified, licensed and operate using standardised methods and practices.
Have enhanced employment opportunities in local and international markets.
