The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) is set to launch a Business Incubation Programme for graduates of its Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) initiative, providing structured business support, entrepreneurship training, tools, equipment and start-up assistance aimed at enabling artisans to establish and grow sustainable enterprises across Nigeria.
The initiative forms part of the federal government’s broader strategy to deepen skills development, promote entrepreneurship, strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and accelerate inclusive economic growth through enterprise-led job creation.
According to the ITF, the programme is designed to close the gap between vocational skills acquisition and business development by equipping trained artisans with the technical, managerial and financial support required to transition into successful entrepreneurs.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries will undergo entrepreneurship and business management training, including the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) programme.
alongside certification and licensing support to improve their professional credibility and competitiveness in the market.
Selected SUPA artisans will also receive tools, equipment and start-up support packages under structured participation and repayment arrangements, which the Fund said are intended to ensure ownership, accountability and long-term sustainability of the enterprises created.
Speaking on the initiative, the director-general of the Industrial Training Fund, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, said the programme represents a strategic intervention to convert technical skills into sustainable livelihoods and enterprise growth.
“The ITF Business Incubation Programme for SUPA Artisans is designed to ensure that the skills acquired through the SUPA Programme translate into sustainable livelihoods, thriving enterprises, and increased economic opportunities for Nigerian youths,” Ogun said.
He added that the initiative is aimed at building a new generation of artisans capable of driving MSME expansion, job creation and industrial development.
“Our goal is to nurture a new generation of artisans who will drive MSME growth, create jobs, and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s industrial development,” he said.
The launch is expected to be attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of State for Industry John Owan Enoh, Special Adviser to the President on MSMEs Tola Johnson, and Director-General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii.
Other stakeholders expected at the event include development partners, financial institutions, artisan associations and members of the National MSME Council.
The ITF said the programme will be formally unveiled at the launch, where its framework, implementation strategy, expected outcomes and beneficiary support mechanisms will be presented to stakeholders.
It added that beneficiary enterprises will be placed under a five-year monitoring and evaluation framework to track performance, focusing on business survival rates, job creation, enterprise expansion and broader contributions to Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda.
Expected outcomes of the initiative include increased creation of sustainable artisan-owned businesses, expanded MSME activity, improved access to structured business support, stronger youth economic inclusion and enhanced contribution to national productivity and industrial growth.
