Lagos Assembly seeks better regulation of artisans, craftsmen

…holds public hearing on Artisans regulation bill 

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday held a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish the Lagos State Artisans and Craftsmen Regulatory Board, with stakeholders calling for better regulation of the sector.

The hearing, held at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium, Alausa, was organised by the House Committee on Industry, Commerce and Cooperatives, chaired by Hon. Tobun Abiodun.

The proposed board would regulate the registration and certification of artisans, improve professional standards, provide reliable data and expand access to training and government support.

Tobun said the bill would ensure that artisans were recognised as professionals while protecting their rights and interests.

He added that the legislation would provide mechanisms for handling complaints and professional misconduct, including sanctions for erring practitioners and monitoring of artisans’ associations.

Representing the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Deputy Speaker Hon. Mojisola Meranda said the bill would regulate and standardise the sector while protecting practitioners and consumers.

Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Bankole Ajigbotafe, described the bill as a step towards structuring the informal sector through the identification, certification and economic inclusion of artisans.

The First Vice-President of LASCOTA, Toriola Ajayi Rasheed, said artisans had long sought solutions to certification challenges, while LASCOPA’s Arinola Ayokanbi made submissions.

Managing Director of Ibile Metropolitan Project, Aare Deji Okunubi, urged the Assembly to include mechanics, welders and hairdressers in the bill and strengthen consumer protection.