The Federal Government says it will continue to work closely with the private sector to drive industrialisation and support inclusive growth through skills and vocational training for young Nigerians. This commitment was restated by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan, during the ITF-NECA Stakeholders’ Dialogue Forum and the 2023/2024 Outstanding Trainees’ Awards Ceremony held in Abuja.
Owan praised the Industrial Training Fund for its long-standing partnership with the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, noting that the collaboration has supported skills acquisition and vocational training for youths over the last sixteen years. He said President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains focused on empowering young people so they can contribute meaningfully to national economic development, job creation and overall economic growth.
According to the minister, several reforms and interventions have already been introduced to support the expansion of Small and Medium Enterprises, encourage innovation, and build a workforce capable of meeting global standards. He explained that strengthening skills training is an essential part of the government’s plan to boost economic development, attract investment and enhance productivity across key sectors.
Also speaking at the forum, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doriz Uzoka-Anite, described the Skilled Up Artisans programme of the Industrial Training Fund as one of the most impactful initiatives of the current administration aimed at youth empowerment. She said her ministry will continue to support programmes that help keep young Nigerians off the streets through vocational training, digital skills and entrepreneurship development. Uzoka-Anite emphasised the importance of stronger public-private partnerships in reducing unemployment and helping young people become self-reliant while contributing to national security and community stability.
The Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund, Dr Oluwatoyin Afiz-Ogun, revealed that 60,000 youths have so far benefited from the Technical Skills Development Project under the ITF-NECA partnership. Afiz-Ogun explained that the programme has produced creators, innovators and problem solvers who are already contributing to Nigeria’s industrial and economic landscape.
He said, “As our country advances on the path of industrialisation and inclusive growth, one truth remains constant: skills are the new currency of national development. The strength of our workforce – their competence, creativity and resilience – will determine how effectively Nigeria competes and thrives in the global economy.”
Afiz-Ogun added that a skilled youth population continues to drive investment, industrial growth and economic development.
Earlier, the Director General of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, Mr Adewale Smart, said beneficiaries of the TSDP were trained in thirty-five trade areas, adding that the project has led to the upgrade of several federal educational institutions. He noted that the Stakeholders’ Dialogue Forum was held simultaneously in nine centres across the country.
