By Efe Onodjae

The Textile, Garment and Tailoring Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (TGTSSAN) has applauded the Federal Government’s decision to support tailors across the country under the Industrial Training Fund (ITF)’s Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme, describing the initiative as a major step towards creating skilled jobs and reviving Nigeria’s textile industry.

National President of TGTSSAN, in a statement, said the programme would strengthen the informal sector, bridge the nation’s skills gap and produce globally competitive artisans capable of taking advantage of both local and international employment opportunities.

The union particularly commended President Bola Tinubu for approving N3.6 billion for the programme, noting that the intervention would help reposition Nigeria’s tailoring and garment-making industry while reducing reliance on foreign artisans.

According to the association, the initiative would prepare successful applicants for international employment opportunities, stimulate investment, and connect beneficiaries with employers within the textile industry across the country.

It stressed that tailors play a critical role in Nigeria’s socio-economic development, providing essential services to individuals, families and corporate organisations while preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage.

TGTSSAN noted that the programme would not only enhance technical competence but also provide beneficiaries with long-term mentorship, entrepreneurship support and business development assistance needed to sustain their enterprises.

The association said the initiative would equally enable Nigerians to identify certified artisans through verified credentials and customer reviews, thereby improving service delivery, increasing artisans’ income and promoting professionalism within the sector.

It further described the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to reviving the cotton, textile and garment (CTG) value chain as a positive signal that efforts to reposition the industry were gaining momentum.

According to the union, the intervention is expected to reduce unemployment, promote skills acquisition, expand market opportunities and produce a new generation of digitally driven Nigerian artisans capable of competing favourably within and outside the country.

TGTSSAN also urged the Federal Government to ensure that beneficiaries of the programme are integrated into recognised professional and affiliate bodies to facilitate networking, access to industry information, business referrals and continuous professional development.

The association expressed confidence in the Industrial Training Fund, saying the agency had continued to justify its mandate through impactful skills development programmes.

It expressed optimism that the implementation of the Skill Up Artisans Programme would accelerate the revival of Nigeria’s textile industry and contribute significantly to economic growth, job creation and industrial development.