Steps to register for FG's artisan empowerment programme SUPA

What is SUPA? Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) is a transformative initiative by the Federal Government and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). The programme, according to the FG is committed to up-skilling, licensing, and empowering 10 million artisans in Nigeria.

Nigeria has a fast-growing population of over 220 million people, and the burden of unemployment has been prevalent over time. The country’s labour force was predicted to increase to over 67 million in 2022 and there is a need to ensure that employment is readily available as more citizens enter the job market.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration, is committed to creating gainful employment for the teeming youth. President Tinubu’s vision for economic development and poverty reduction in Nigeria includes supporting artisans and promoting industrial development through a strong workforce of skilled individuals.

Many employment initiatives target the white-collar industry but the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, is launching a massive campaign that targets the blue-collar industry to ensure inclusiveness in the job creation drive of the Federal Government.

This programme, which is known as the Skill-UP Artisans (SUPA), will impact on 10 million artisans over a 2-year period. The programme is a joint initiative of the Federal Government and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and will be coordinated by the later.

SUPA is in line with global employment trends, which have shifted as a result of the way technology has changed the face of many industries. The preference for white-collar jobs has resulted in a scarcity of qualified Nigerian artisans. SUPA seeks to reverse this trend.

The absence of a coordinated effort to certify and license artisans has further deepened the skills gap and also brought to light the need to upscale unlicensed and uncertified artisans. The Federal Government is committed to promoting skills development for artisans and fostering a society based on shared prosperity, tolerance, compassion, and equal treatment of all citizens. The Federal Government is also determined to tackle the skills deficiency among artisans and standardize artisanal practice in the country.

SUPA is a comprehensive initiative aimed at aiding quality service delivery through the certification and licensing of artisans to promote the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. The programme ensures the availability of a skilled workforce for domestic industries, thereby reducing labour import dependency. This programme is targeted at empowering 10 million hard-working Nigerians in two years. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment towards promoting economic development and improving the standard of living for its citizens across all industries.

Purpose of the Programme

To create requisite and greater opportunities towards Capacity Development, Quality Service Delivery, Employability, Growth, Market Promotion and Business Support for artisans in Nigeria.

Mission

To create requisite and greater opportunities towards Capacity Development, Quality Service Delivery, Employability, Growth, Market Promotion and Business Support for artisans in Nigeria.

Vision

To create requisite and greater opportunities towards Capacity Development, Quality Service Delivery, Employability, Growth, Market Promotion and Business Support for artisans in Nigeria.

Objectives

To identify, register and categorise artisans across the different sectors of the economy.
To provide comprehensive Industry 4.0 compliant and certified training programs, including health and safety programmes for various trades such as carpentry, masonry, plumbing, electrical work, and many more.
To enable artisans to access essential tools, equipment and funds to expand their trades.
To ensure Nigerian artisans are certified, licensed and operate using standardised methods and practices.
To enhance employment opportunities for artisans in local and international markets.