Jos – The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) is set to launch a Business Incubation Programme for graduates of its Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) initiative, aimed at helping artisans establish and grow sustainable businesses across Nigeria.

The programme is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to promote skills development, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth by bridging the gap between skills acquisition and enterprise development.

According to the Director of Press and Public Relations Unit of the ITF, Thomas Ngor in a statement issued on Tuesday, selected beneficiaries will receive entrepreneurship and business management training including the internationally recognised Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) Programme.

Participants will also be supported in obtaining relevant certifications and licences to enhance their professional standing and competitiveness.

Under the scheme, beneficiaries will be provided with tools, equipment and start-up support packages through clearly defined participation and repayment arrangements designed to encourage ownership, accountability and sustainability.

Speaking ahead of the launch, the statement revealed that the Director-General of ITF, Afiz Ogun, described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at transforming skilled artisans into successful entrepreneurs and employers of labour.

He said the programme goes beyond skills acquisition by providing artisans with a structured pathway into business ownership and economic productivity.

“The ITF Business Incubation Programme for SUPA Artisans is designed to ensure that the skills acquired through the SUPA Programme translate into sustainable livelihoods, thriving enterprises and increased economic opportunities for Nigerian youths,” Ogun said.

“Our goal is to nurture a new generation of artisans who will drive MSME growth, create jobs and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s industrial development,” he added.

The launch is expected to attract key government officials and stakeholders, including Vice-President Senator Kashim Shettima, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, Special Adviser to the President on MSMEs Tola Johnson, Director-General of SMEDAN, Charles Odili, development partners, financial institutions and artisan associations.

ITF said the event would unveil the programme framework, implementation strategy, expected impact and support mechanisms available to beneficiaries, while also showcasing selected participants.

The Fund further disclosed that a robust monitoring and evaluation framework would be implemented, with beneficiary businesses to be tracked and assessed over a five-year period to measure enterprise growth, sustainability, job creation and contributions to national economic development.

Expected outcomes of the programme include the creation of sustainable artisan-owned businesses, increased employment opportunities, accelerated growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), improved youth economic inclusion and stronger contributions to Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda.