The federal government has unveiled a renewed push to deepen vocational and technical training as a foundational strategy for national development. At the recent stakeholders’ forum hosted by Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) in Abuja, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, emphasised the importance of public-private collaboration in accelerating inclusive growth.
Also present, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka‑Anite, pledged her ministry’s backing for programmes aimed at keeping Nigeria’s youth productive and off the streets. Enoh praised the longstanding partnership between the ITF and NECA in delivering youth skills training, noting that more than 60,000 young Nigerians have benefitted from the Technical Skills Development Project (TSDP) to date. According to the ITF Director General, Dr. Oluwatoyin Afiz‑Ogun, “As our country advances on the path of industrialisation and inclusive growth, one truth remains constant, skills are the new currency of national development.”
The training spans 35 trade areas and is conducted across nine centres nationwide, with one aim being to upgrade federal training institutions and expand opportunities for young artisans. NECA’s Director General, Mr. Adewale Smart, noted the programme’s role in transforming participants into “creators, problem solvers and nation-builders” who can reshape Nigeria’s industrial and economic landscape.
Through the TSDP and other ITF initiatives like the “Skilled Up Artisans” and “SUPA” programmes, the government is signalling its commitment to move beyond traditional labour markets and equip youth for entrepreneurship, SME growth and technical employment. The forum highlighted reforms to boost small and medium enterprises, youth development and job creation as essential tools in this strategy.
By investing in skills for 60,000 youth, the government is aiming to expand the productive workforce, generate new enterprises, and reduce reliance on imports of technical labour. Skilled workers enhance productivity, help attract investment and support industrial growth, ultimately increasing GDP contribution and reducing unemployment burdens.
