ITF Rolls Out Enterprise Support Programme For Skilled Artisans

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) is set to launch a Business Incubation Programme for artisans trained under its Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) initiative as part of efforts to support enterprise development, job creation and sustainable economic growth.

The programme is designed to help graduates of the SUPA Programme establish and grow viable businesses by providing them with entrepreneurship training, mentorship, business support services, tools, equipment and access to markets.

According to the ITF, the initiative is aimed at bridging the gap between skills acquisition and enterprise development by equipping artisans with the resources needed to transform their vocational skills into sustainable businesses.

Under the programme, selected beneficiaries will undergo comprehensive entrepreneurship and business management training, including participation in the internationally recognised Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) Programme. They will also receive support for certification and licensing to enhance their professional standing and competitiveness.

As part of the incubation framework, beneficiaries will be provided with tools, equipment and start-up support packages under clearly defined participation and repayment arrangements intended to promote ownership, accountability and long-term sustainability.

Speaking ahead of the launch, the Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund, Dr. Afiz Ogun, described the programme as a strategic intervention aimed at transforming skilled artisans into successful entrepreneurs and employers of labour.

He said the initiative goes beyond skills acquisition by creating a structured pathway for artisans to transition into business ownership and contribute meaningfully to national economic development.

According to him, the programme is designed to ensure that skills acquired through the SUPA Programme translate into sustainable livelihoods, thriving enterprises and increased economic opportunities for Nigerian youths.

“Our goal is to nurture a new generation of artisans who will drive the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), create jobs and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s industrial development,” Ogun stated.

The launch is expected to attract key government officials and stakeholders, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of State for Industry Senator John Owan Enoh, Special Adviser to the President on MSMEs Tola Johnson, Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Charles Odii, development partners, financial institutions and artisan associations.

The event will provide an opportunity for the ITF to present the programme’s implementation strategy, expected impact and support mechanisms available to beneficiaries, while also showcasing selected participants.

To ensure accountability and long-term success, the programme will incorporate a robust monitoring, supervision and evaluation framework. Beneficiary businesses will be monitored regularly, while periodic assessments will be conducted over a five-year period to measure business growth, sustainability, job creation and contributions to national economic development.

Expected outcomes of the initiative include the creation of sustainable artisan-owned businesses, increased employment opportunities, accelerated MSME growth, improved youth economic inclusion and enhanced contributions to Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda.