By Golok Nanmwa, Jos
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF), in collaboration with the Cement Technology Institute of Nigeria (CTIN), has concluded plans to train and upskill 100,000 artisans in Nigeria’s construction sector.
The initiative, which will be implemented in phases across the country, is aimed at equipping artisans with practical skills in masonry, carpentry and joinery, tiling, electrical installation, Plaster of Paris (PoP), plumbing and pipe fitting.
A statement signed by the Head, Press and Public Relations Unit of ITF, Thomas Ngor and made available to newsmen in Jos On Thursday reads that the programme is scheduled to be officially launched on April 21, 2026, in Lagos, with key stakeholders from government and industry expected to attend.
The statement added that “Dignitaries billed for the event includes the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, as Special Guests of Honour.
Other expected participants are Chairman of Dangote Group and President of CTIN, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu; Group Managing Director/CEO of Lafarge Cement, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi; and Director-General of ITF, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun.
The statement also reads that Speaking ahead of the launch, the DG ITF Ogun described the partnership with CTIN as a strategic intervention to bridge the skills gap in the construction industry.
He noted that the initiative aligns with ITF’s mandate of equipping Nigerians with industry-relevant skills to boost productivity, employability and national development.
According to him, the programme is coming at a critical time when cases of building collapse are on the rise, largely due to poor workmanship, inadequate training and substandard construction practices.
He explained that the collaboration would equip artisans with the necessary technical competencies, promote adherence to industry standards and foster professionalism within the sector.
Ogun added that beneficiaries of ITF’s Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme would gain access to enhanced training modules, modern construction techniques and best practices in cement application and structural integrity.
He further stated that the initiative would improve employability and earning potential of artisans, while also providing certification and continuous professional development opportunities.
“This will ultimately improve the quality of construction projects nationwide and strengthen public confidence in the sector,” he said.
The ITF boss stressed that the programme would deepen capacity building, promote adoption of modern techniques and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth.
