The Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr. Afiz Ogun, has emphasized that artisans remain a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic growth and national development, stressing the need for greater support to maximize their contributions.
Speaking at a national exhibition and fair of artisans and technicians held in Abuja, Dr. Ogun highlighted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has begun restoring dignity to the artisan sector after years of neglect.
“For a long time, artisans in Nigeria were forgotten. But today, President Tinubu has not only remembered them, he is taking practical steps to uplift them. What he promised during the campaign, he has already started implementing,” Ogun said.
He explained that the ITF is currently conducting nationwide training for artisans, covering both technical skills and soft skills such as ethics and patriotism. “Government has directed us to ensure they are properly trained in their technical fields and also acquire the values they need for their trade,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Adeshina Akinyemi, National Coordinator of the Artisan and Technicians Association of Nigeria (ASNAT), described the Abuja exhibition as the largest gathering of artisans in Africa.
“As you can see, all artisan groups across Nigeria are here, and since Nigeria has the largest population in Africa, this convergence is historic,” Akinyemi said. He noted that innovations displayed at the fair included a locally made motorbike from Minna and school furniture crafted from recycled tire waste — products he said could transform into significant economic empowerment if supported by government intervention.
“With ITF’s efforts to upscale and regulate the sector, the era of quack artisans in Nigeria is coming to an end,” he added.
In his remarks, Mr. Sanusi Rikiji, former Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly and National Patron of ASNAT, underscored the central role of artisans in sustaining Nigeria’s economy and workforce.
“Trade is the lifeline of every nation, just as arteries sustain the human body. The skills, creativity, and resilience of Nigerian artisans are vital to our national productivity. They constitute a large part of our workforce,” Rikiji said.
He further urged artisans to mentor younger generations to ensure continuity and sustainability, noting that exhibitions not only showcase innovations but also preserve cultural heritage and drive national development.