FG sets N3.6bn to support tailors under SUPA programme

The Federal Government has stated that it has set aside N3.6bn to support tailors under the Industrial Training Fund’s Skill Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s informal sector and boost job creation.

The Director-General and Chief Executive of the Industrial Training Fund, Dr. Afiz Ogun, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during the screening of applicants for the 2026 edition of the programme.

According to him, the fund is currently conducting nationwide screening of applicants to ensure that only genuine artisans benefit from the initiative.

“We are screening them because some people will say they are artisans, but they are not artisans. Some people just want to come and collect the Federal Government money and go. They will not participate in the training. We want real artisans who are ready to scale up and improve their skills,” he said.

Ogun said the ongoing exercise marks the first phase of the 2026 SUPA programme, adding that about 200,000 artisans are expected to benefit from this year’s edition.

He noted that the ITF had already trained hundreds of thousands of artisans under previous editions of the programme, which began in 2024.

He said the objective is to organise the country’s informal technical sector by capturing artisans’ data, providing internationally recognised and local certifications, and introducing a licensing system that enhances professionalism and accountability.

According to him, beneficiaries will either be prepared for international job opportunities through talent export, linked with employers for direct job placement, or enrolled in a structured business incubation programme.

“For this year, we are incubating businesses for tailors because they constitute a large number of participants. The President has approved N3.6bn for this initiative,” he said.

Ogun explained that beneficiaries under the incubation programme would receive industrial-grade sewing equipment rather than basic machines.

He listed the support package to include industrial sewing machines, overlock machines, specialised stitching equipment, electric cutters, scissors, consumables and business signboards.

Beyond equipment, he said participants would receive continuous mentoring, entrepreneurship support and technical assistance to ensure the businesses remain viable.

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