Stakeholders seek national licensing, recognition for artisans

By Adeola Ogunrinde –

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT), and other stakeholders have called for the recognition and licensing of artisans across the country. They emphasized the need for a national framework to train, certify, and license artisans to eliminate quackery and improve global competitiveness.

The demand was made during the two-day Nigerian Artisans’ Leadership Summit (NALSUM) themed “Towards a Successful NATEF 2025,” held at the Women Development Centre, Abuja. The summit, solely sponsored by ITF, brought together formal and informal sector stakeholders to deliberate on artisan development.

Dr. Afiz Ogun, Director-General of ITF, said the summit aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision to upskill artisans to international standards. He noted that earlier training efforts failed due to a lack of opportunities for artisans to showcase their skills or access support. Ogun revealed ongoing collaboration with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) to ensure local industries prioritize Nigerian artisans over foreign labour.

“Some companies still go as far as China or the Philippines to hire workers. That has to stop because we have competent artisans here, and we will build their capacity to meet global standards,” he stated.

ASNAT’s National Coordinator, Comrade Adeshina Akinyemi, explained that the summit aims to strengthen leadership within artisan associations and prepare members for the upcoming Nigerian Artisan Talent and Exhibition Fair (NATEF) scheduled for September.

Representing SMEDAN Director-General Mr. Charles Odii, Head of Corporate Affairs Mr. Moshood Lawal highlighted the importance of coordinated government efforts in artisan empowerment. He said that while ITF handles training, the Bank of Industry offers funding, and SMEDAN provides entrepreneurship education.

“You can’t leave artisans with only technical knowledge. They need financial access and business skills to grow. We’re working to provide affordable funding at single-digit interest rates,” Lawal said.

National Patron of ASNAT and former Speaker of Zamfara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sanusi Rikiji, praised the ITF’s national artisan database, which has already registered over 1,000 artisans. He described artisans as key drivers of Nigeria’s micro-economy and a vital source of youth employment.

Rikiji noted that over 30 trade associations are registered under ASNAT and that the national register aims to reach 8 million artisans. He said the initiative would help members access support from institutions like the World Bank and Bank of Industry, calling it a “game-changer” for the sector.