The Federal Government has approved ₦3.6 billion to support tailors under the Industrial Training Fund’s (ITF) Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme, as part of efforts to strengthen small businesses, create jobs and develop a more competitive artisan workforce.
The Director-General of ITF, Dr. Afiz Ogun, disclosed this during the nationwide screening of applicants for the 2026 edition of the programme in Abuja.
He said the screening exercise is designed to ensure that only genuine artisans benefit from the initiative, noting that applicants are being assessed not only on their documents but also on their skills, commitment and readiness for training.
According to Ogun, about 200,000 artisans are expected to benefit from the 2026 programme, which was launched in 2024 to improve technical and vocational skills while reducing Nigeria’s reliance on foreign artisans.
He explained that the government has replaced the distribution of starter packs with a business incubation model after discovering that many beneficiaries sold the equipment they received.
Under the new arrangement, beneficiaries will receive industrial-grade sewing machines, specialised equipment, business signboards, mentorship and technical support to help them establish and grow sustainable tailoring businesses.
Ogun said the President approved the ₦3.6 billion intervention because tailors make up a significant share of participants under the programme.
He added that beneficiaries will also exit the programme through job placement, international employment opportunities or structured business incubation, while a digital marketplace is being developed to connect certified artisans with customers and improve service quality.