FG approves new funding support for tailors

Tinubu Approves ₦3.6bn ITF Scheme for Tailors

👤 Key Figure

• Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved ₦3.6 billion funding

🏢 Programme

• Managed by Industrial Training Fund (ITF)
• Programme Name: SUPA (Skill-Up Artisans Programme)
• Target: 200,000 artisans in 2026

🎯 What the Programme Is About

This initiative is designed to:

• Improve technical skills of artisans
• Boost self-employment and entrepreneurship
• Strengthen Nigeria’s informal sector
• Reduce reliance on foreign artisans

🧵 Focus on Tailors

• Tailors are a major focus in this phase
• Government will support business incubation, not just training
• Beneficiaries will receive:
  • Industrial sewing machines
  • Overlock machines
  • Electric cutters
  • Materials & consumables
  • Business branding (signboards)

🧪 Selection Process

Applicants will go through:

• Document verification
• Practical skill tests
• Screening to ensure only real artisans are selected

🚫 Major Change (Very Important)

• ❌ No more “collect equipment and go”
• Some past beneficiaries sold their tools

✅ New Approach:

• Business incubation support
• Mentorship
• Job placement opportunities
• Long-term monitoring

🌍 New Opportunities

The programme will also:

• Prepare artisans for international jobs (talent export)
• Connect them to employers
• Provide ongoing technical support

📱 Digital Upgrade

• A digital marketplace will be introduced
• Artisans can:
  • Showcase their work
  • Get customer ratings
  • Attract clients directly

📊 Why This Matters

• Helps reduce unemployment
• Increases artisans’ income
• Improves service quality
• Builds a certified, trusted workforce

⚠️ Important Insight (For You)

This programme is VERY valuable if you are:

• A tailor or learning tailoring
• An artisan (electrician, plumber, etc.)
• Interested in skill-based business