President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦3.6 billion to empower Nigerian tailors through the Industrial Training Fund’s (ITF) Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme.
The initiative is aimed at creating jobs, strengthening the informal sector and producing globally competitive artisans across the country.
The Director-General of the ITF, Afiz Ogun, announced the approval on Wednesday in Abuja during the nationwide screening of applicants for the 2026 edition of the programme.
He said about 200,000 artisans are expected to benefit, with tailors making up a significant share of the participants. Only qualified artisans who pass the screening process will be selected.
Ogun explained that unlike previous empowerment schemes, successful participants will not receive starter packs immediately after training. Instead, they will be placed in one of three pathways: international job opportunities, direct employment or a structured business incubation programme.
Those in the incubation programme will receive industrial-grade sewing machines, overlock machines, electric cutters, specialised stitching equipment, business signboards and long-term mentorship to help them build sustainable businesses.
The ITF also plans to launch a digital marketplace where certified artisans can display their services, receive customer ratings and connect with potential clients.
According to Ogun, the programme is designed to reduce unemployment, improve vocational skills and cut Nigeria’s reliance on foreign artisans in key trades.
