By Israel Adamu, Jos
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has announced the launch of a Business Incubation Programme for artisans under its Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) initiative, in a move aimed at transforming skilled workers into business owners and job creators across Nigeria.
The programme, targeted at graduates of the SUPA training scheme, is designed to bridge the gap between skills acquisition and sustainable enterprise development through structured business support, mentorship, and access to start-up resources.
According to the ITF, the initiative will provide beneficiaries with entrepreneurship and business management training, including the internationally recognised Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) programme, alongside certification and licensing support to enhance professionalism and competitiveness in the labour market.
The Fund said selected artisans would also receive tools, equipment, and start-up support packages under defined participation and repayment arrangements aimed at promoting accountability, ownership, and long-term sustainability of enterprises.
A statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations Unit of the ITF, Thomas Ngor, said: “The ITF Business Incubation Programme for SUPA Artisans is designed to ensure that the skills acquired through the SUPA Programme translate into sustainable livelihoods, thriving enterprises, and increased economic opportunities for Nigerian youths.”
It added: “Our goal is to nurture a new generation of artisans who will drive MSME growth, create jobs, and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s industrial development.”
Speaking ahead of the launch, the Director-General of the ITF, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, described the programme as a strategic intervention to ensure that technical skills acquired by artisans translate into viable businesses and employment generation opportunities.
He said the initiative would help position beneficiaries to contribute meaningfully to national economic growth and the expansion of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.
Dignitaries expected at the official launch include the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Special Adviser to the President on MSMEs, among other senior government officials, development partners, financial institutions, and stakeholders in the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The ITF said the launch will also provide a platform to present the programme framework, implementation strategy, and expected impact, as well as showcase selected participants.
It added that a robust monitoring and evaluation system will be put in place to track beneficiary performance over a five-year period, focusing on business growth, job creation, sustainability, and contributions to national development.
