Young and skilled Nigerian artisans will soon benefit from the government’s talent development for export programme, according to Afiz Ogun, Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).
Ogun explained that the programme, designed to take Nigerians to countries in need of their expertise, would target qualified and trained persons aged 35 years and below. “This will facilitate the export of young, skilled Nigerian artisans aged 35 years and below to international markets as part of its talent development programme,” he said.
The ITF Director-General made this disclosure during a visit to trainees sitting examinations at the Lanre Shittu Motors training centre in Abuja. He noted that participants who successfully complete their training would be certified with licenses recognised by the federal government, making them eligible for international opportunities.
The ITF runs several skill development initiatives, such as the National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP) and the Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) scheme. These programmes aim to train young Nigerians in trades including manufacturing, engineering, and information and communications technology (ICT) to reduce unemployment and boost national economic growth.
Ogun highlighted collaborations with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), which extend the scope and impact of ITF’s activities. He added that the new export initiative was being developed in partnership with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).
According to him, NACCIMA plays a critical role by maintaining international links through global trade fairs and commercial networks, which will help identify countries in need of specific skilled workers.
Jani Ibrahim, President of NACCIMA, confirmed the association’s commitment to the project. He said NACCIMA would facilitate the programme worldwide, stressing that it forms part of the association’s social responsibility to Nigeria.