A nationwide empowerment initiative targeting 100,000 artisans within Nigeria’s construction sector is set to commence this month through a strategic partnership between the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the Cement Technology Institute of Nigeria (CTIN).
The programme, confirmed on Thursday in Jos by ITF Head of Press and Public Relations, Mr. Ngor Thomas, will be implemented in phases across the country, reflecting a structured approach to workforce development and capacity building.
It will focus on high-demand, income-generating trades, including masonry, carpentry and joinery, tiling, electrical installation, plaster of Paris, and plumbing and pipe fitting.
The official launch is scheduled for April 21, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, and is expected to convene key stakeholders from government and industry.
Among the dignitaries expected at the event are the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Sen. John Owan Enoh, both of whom will serve as Special Guests of Honour.
Also expected are prominent industry leaders, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group and President of CTIN; Alhaji Abdulsamad Isyaku Rabiu, Chairman of the BUA Group; Mr. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Cement; and the ITF Director-General/Chief Executive, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun.
Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Ogun stated that the partnership directly addresses longstanding gaps in artisan training by linking skills acquisition to sustainable livelihoods and improved safety standards.
He emphasised that the programme aligns with the ITF’s mandate to equip Nigerians with industry-relevant competencies that enhance productivity, employability, and national development outcomes.
Ogun further noted that poor workmanship and inadequate training have contributed to incidents of building collapse, posing significant risks to lives and property.
According to him, the CTIN–ITF collaboration will equip artisans with technical expertise, promote adherence to industry standards, and foster a stronger culture of professionalism within the construction value chain.
For beneficiaries of the ITF’s Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme, the initiative is expected to deliver tangible value. “The synergy will also improve the employability and earning potential of SUPA trainees by aligning their skills with industry requirements and the expectations of major construction firms,” Ogun said.
He added that participants would benefit from enhanced visibility and credibility within the sector, positioning them for better employment opportunities, contract access, and entrepreneurial growth.
“In addition, the programme will facilitate certification and continuous professional development for artisans under the SUPA scheme, ensuring they remain competitive and relevant in an evolving construction landscape,” he said.
Ogun concluded that the initiative would contribute to improved construction quality nationwide and help restore public confidence in the sector.
