James Emejo and Deborah Adekoya in Abuja
Director General/Chief Executive, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr. Afiz Ogun, said the federal government has approved N3.6 billion to incubate tailoring businesses under ITF’s Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme, as part of efforts to build sustainable enterprises, create jobs and professionalise the informal sector.
He spoke during a nationwide screening of applicants for the 2026 edition of the programme in Abuja.
He said the intervention, approved by President Bola Tinubu, is specifically targeted at tailors, who account for a significant proportion of participants under the scheme, noting that the initiative represented a shift from previous empowerment models towards building sustainable businesses.
Ogun said about 200,000 artisans are expected to benefit from the first phase of the 2026 programme, with screening currently taking place simultaneously across all senatorial districts to ensure that only genuine artisans are admitted.
