The International Labour Organization is expanding its workforce development push in Nigeria with a new train-the-trainer programme aimed at equipping business support workers with tools to help SMEs grow and create decent jobs.
Simply Exponential Consult Limited, an ILO-certified partner, has begun the rollout of the ILO’s Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) Train-the-Trainer programme across Lagos and Abuja. The rollout is designed to strengthen the capacity of professionals who support small businesses and entrepreneurs.
The initiative targets people who work directly with entrepreneurs daily, including business development officers, SME desk staff in banks, and trainers in enterprise and microfinance institutions.
Morounfayo Williams, Founder and Managing Partner of Simply Exponential Consult and an ILO-certified master trainer, said the programme was designed to strengthen the capacity of professionals who support small businesses across the country.
“It is a two-week hybrid certification initiative,” she said.
According to her, the course will run from September 21 to October 5, followed by a 30-day implementation and mentoring phase. During that period, participants will deliver training to other entrepreneurs and will be observed and supported before receiving final certification.
The ILO SIYB programme is already active in more than 90 countries. It provides standardised, practical training packages that help workers guide aspiring entrepreneurs to develop viable ideas, formalise businesses, and improve existing ones.
“The programme equips trainers with methodologies to help entrepreneurs separate personal and business finances, prepare viable business plans, and build sustainable enterprises,” Williams said.
For workers taking part, the training covers three core ILO packages: Generate Your Business Idea (GYBI), Start Your Business (SYB), and Improve Your Business (IYB).
The curriculum also includes hands-on tools for trainers, including a business simulation game, role plays, “life cards,” record-keeping exercises, and 12 participant manuals covering business planning, marketing, adult learning, and trainer guides.
The rollout includes a two-week intensive classroom and hybrid phase, plus the 30-day field supervision to ensure quality and create a multiplier effect. Certification will only be awarded after trainers successfully step down the training and are observed, in line with international ILO standards.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, Mr Adewale-Smart Oyerinde, represented by Adenike Adebayo-Ajala, said private-sector employers back efforts that build worker capacity to support small businesses.
She emphasised that structured business training for workers, covering costing, record keeping, access to finance and market linkages, is essential for business survival and growth in Nigeria’s challenging economy.
ILO officials say the goal is to build a nationwide pool of certified trainers who can deliver consistent, practical business support, strengthening the workforce that underpins Nigeria’s SMEs and job creation.
