By Mohammed Bello Doka
In response to the escalating demand for blue-collar expertise across Europe, North America, and Asia, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), is embarking on a transformative journey to enhance the skills of artisans in Nigeria. This strategic initiative aims to fortify the nation's economy by cultivating a proficient workforce capable of contributing locally and abroad.
Recent developments show countries like Denmark, Germany, UAE, Estonia, United Kingdom, and Ireland actively introducing various Visa categories to attract skilled artisans from Africa. To bolster the local talent pool, President Bola Tinubu has mandated the ITF to retrain and certify 20 million artisans over the next five years. This concerted effort aims to equip artisans with the necessary skills, making them competitive on a global scale while addressing the concerning trend of foreign artisans securing jobs meant for Nigerians.
Over the past decade, oil service companies and international oil companies in Nigeria have grappled with a shortage of skilled workers like welders, plumbers, and electricians. Furthermore, construction firms have resorted to hiring bricklayers, tilers, and carpenters from neighboring West African countries. To counter this trend, the Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) program has been introduced as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda for inclusive and shared prosperity.
The SUPA initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment and the ITF, signifies a paradigm shift in enhancing technical expertise and service delivery among Nigerian artisans. This national framework is designed to standardize and license artisans, addressing outdated practices and skill deficiencies within the industry.
Afiz Oluwatoyin, the Director General of ITF, emphasized the significance of upskilling artisans for national development, stating, "We want to upgrade Nigerian artisans to international standards." The SUPA program seeks to eliminate quackery and elevate Nigerian artisans to a level where they can compete globally, mirroring the respect and financial recognition enjoyed by artisans in countries like the US and Europe.
To underscore the gravity of the initiative, Oluwatoyin highlighted the historical undervaluation of Nigerian artisans, likening their status to "illiterates and low-level people." He stressed that the SUPA initiative aims to change this perception by providing comprehensive training and certification, positioning artisans as respected contributors to economic growth.
In addition to addressing the domestic shortage of skilled artisans, SUPA is set to have a global impact. The collaborative efforts between the Nigerian government and Abu Dhabi, aiming to supply 14,000 qualified artisans to work in the UAE, underscore the overarching goal of SUPA – to drive national development, ensure a skilled artisanal workforce for domestic industries, and create a sustainable pipeline for labor export.
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