The Nigerian government, through the Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) initiative, plans to retrain and certify 20 million artisans, including plumbers, welders, and carpenters, over the next five years. The initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian artisans globally and in blue-collar jobs. In collaboration with the UAE government, 14,000 Nigerian artisans are expected to be sent to the UAE for work opportunities.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, January 11, 2024. Ajayi revealed that President Bola Tinubu has mandated the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to ensure the certification and proficiency of Nigerian artisans, addressing the trend of foreign artisans dominating the construction industry in Nigeria.
Ajayi said that Tinubu frowned at the trend where artisans from neighboring countries like Togo and the Benin Republic dominate the construction industry in Nigeria, and oil firms find it challenging to get competent welders, plumbers, electricians to work on big projects.
The initiative seeks to address the trend of artisans from neighboring countries dominating the construction industry in Nigeria.
Credit | Legit.ng