ASNAT hails Tinubu’s APC ticket, pledges support for 2027

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT) has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his emergence as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 election, describing his victory at the party’s primary as a reflection of confidence in his leadership and reform agenda.

In a statement signed by the association’s Head of New Media, Abdulkadir Salihu (IBN), ASNAT commended the President for initiating economic and social reforms which it said have laid the foundation for Nigeria’s long-term development and structural transformation.

The association noted that although the country was yet to attain all the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda, it remained optimistic that Tinubu’s administration would continue to make progress. It expressed confidence that the President would receive the wisdom and strength needed to drive further national development and improve the welfare of Nigerians.

ASNAT, however, acknowledged that artisans and technicians across the country have faced considerable challenges over the past three years, blaming the situation on the failure of some government agencies and parastatals responsible for promoting their welfare and supporting their businesses.

Despite these concerns, the association said its members had benefited from several policies and programmes introduced by the Tinubu administration. It cited the recent tax reforms, which exempt small businesses, artisans and technicians with annual turnover below ₦100 million and fixed assets not exceeding ₦250 million from Companies Income Tax, Value Added Tax, Capital Gains Tax and the development levy.

The group also praised the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a timely intervention that has eased the financial burden on many families. According to ASNAT, many artisans who are parents have benefited indirectly as their children in tertiary institutions now have greater access to education through the student loan scheme.

In addition, the association highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, expressing optimism that the completion of the projects would create economic opportunities and improve livelihoods for artisans and technicians across the country.

Reaffirming its commitment to Tinubu’s re-election bid, ASNAT pledged to mobilise support through its nationwide network and urged the president to be more deliberate in appointing aides, heads of ministries, departments and agencies, and parastatal chief executives in a second term. The association stressed that competent, loyal and patriotic officials would be critical to consolidating the gains of the administration and delivering meaningful dividends of democracy to Nigerians at the grassroots.