Lagos Assembly approves regulatory board, framework for artisans, craftsmen
The Lagos State House of Assembly has adopted the report of its House Committee on Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives on a bill seeking to establish the Lagos State Artisans and Craftsmen Regulatory Board.
The report was presented during Monday’s plenary after a public hearing at which stakeholders contributed to the proposed legislation.
Presenting it, the committee chairman, Hon. Tobun Abiodun (Epe 1), said artisans and craftsmen were vital to the state’s economy and employment generation. He said the sector’s rapid growth and diversity made an effective regulatory framework necessary to promote professionalism, competence, safety and accountability.
Tobun said “The proposed board would ensure that practitioners possess the skills required to provide quality services, improve productivity and competitiveness, boost public confidence, and protect consumers from substandard workmanship and unqualified practitioners.
” It would also safeguard the welfare of registered artisans and craftsmen and create an enabling environment for their growth”.
He added that the bill would facilitate access to government funding, financial assistance and other support programmes, enabling practitioners to expand their businesses, acquire modern tools and equipment, upgrade their skills and contribute more to the state’s economic development.
The committee recommended that the board’s General Manager be appointed by the Governor on the Commissioner’s recommendation, subject to confirmation by the House. It also proposed that foreign nationals with relevant training, qualifications or practical experience acquired outside Nigeria be eligible to apply for registration.
In addition, the board would collaborate with the Lagos State Vocational and Technical Education Board, vocational institutions and other government agencies to provide continuing education, refresher courses and skills-upgrading programmes.
The House adopted the report as its resolution. However, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, who presided over the plenary, directed the Clerk, Mrs. Adenike Oshinowo, to forward a clean copy of the bill to the Governor for assent.
