ABUJA, Nigeria — The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) is currently screening 225,000 artisans across the country for enrolment in its Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme, a federal initiative designed to equip informal sector workers with globally competitive skills and internationally recognised certifications.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday, the screening process is being conducted in collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education, the National Business and Technical Examinations Board, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, and the National Identity Management Commission. The ITF explained that the partnership would ensure that artisans receive proper trade testing and certification, bringing them into alignment with the demands of the global job market.
The SUPA programme was officially launched in February 2026 by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who had earlier directed the ITF to scale up the initiative to empower Nigerians with employable skills in various trades. The programme targets artisans across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with participants to undergo training in trades such as plumbing, welding, carpentry, electrical installation, and information technology, among others.
The ITF said the screening was necessary to verify the qualifications and experience of artisans before enrolment into the programme. “The screening process will ensure that only qualified and experienced artisans are enrolled in the programme, thereby guaranteeing the quality of training and certification,” the statement said.
The SUPA programme is part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to address unemployment and underemployment in the country by providing artisans with the skills they need to compete in the local and international markets. The programme also aims to improve the quality of services provided by artisans and to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign labour in the construction and manufacturing sectors.
The ITF has called on artisans who have not yet been screened to visit designated centres in their states to complete the registration process. The Fund also announced that the programme would provide participants with access to modern equipment and tools, as well as mentorship and internship opportunities with established companies in their respective trades.
The Federal Government has expressed optimism that the SUPA programme would significantly reduce the number of unemployed youth in the country and contribute to the growth of the economy. The ITF has also been directed to ensure that the programme is implemented in a transparent and accountable manner, with regular monitoring and evaluation to track progress. As the screening process continues, the ITF has urged artisans to take advantage of the opportunity to upgrade their skills and secure better livelihoods for themselves and their families.
