Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF), in collaboration with the Cement Technology Institute of Nigeria (CTIN), has concluded arrangements to launch a landmark skills development programme aimed at training and upskilling 100,000 artisans in Nigeria’s construction sector.
The programme, which will be implemented in phases nationwide, will equip artisans with skills in masonry, carpentry and joinery, tiling, electrical installation, Plaster of Paris (PoP), and plumbing and pipe fitting.
A statement signed and issued to newsmen in Jos on Thursday by the Head of Press and Public Relations Unit, Thomas Ngor, disclosed this.
According to the statement, the official launch of the initiative is scheduled for April 21, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, and is expected to attract key stakeholders from government and industry.
Among the dignitaries expected at the event are the Honourable Ministers of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole and Senator John Owan Enoh, who will serve as Special Guests of Honour.
Others expected include leading figures in Nigeria’s industrial sector, such as the Chairman of the Dangote Group and President of CTIN, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; the Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdulsamad Isyaku Rabiu; the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Cement, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi; and the Director-General/Chief Executive of the Industrial Training Fund, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun.
Speaking ahead of the launch, the Director-General of ITF, Dr. Ogun, described CTIN as a critical institution in strengthening Nigeria’s cement and construction ecosystem.
He expressed delight at the partnership, noting that the initiative represents a strategic intervention to bridge the skills gap in the construction industry, while emphasizing that the programme aligns with the Fund’s mandate to equip Nigerians with industry-relevant skills that enhance productivity, employability, and national development.
Dr. Ogun further noted that the collaboration is timely and critical, especially in light of increasing incidents of building collapse across the country.
He stressed that poor workmanship, inadequate training, and the use of substandard construction practices continue to pose significant risks to lives and property.
According to him, the CTIN–ITF synergy will address these challenges by equipping artisans with the requisite technical competencies, promoting adherence to industry standards, and fostering a culture of professionalism within the sector.
The Director-General stated that the initiative will add significant value to beneficiaries of ITF’s flagship Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme through enhanced technical training modules developed in collaboration with CTIN, exposure to modern construction techniques, and access to standardized best practices in cement application and structural integrity.
“The synergy will also improve the employability and earning potential of SUPA trainees by aligning their skills with industry requirements and expectations of major construction firms.
“In addition, beneficiaries will gain increased visibility and credibility within the construction value chain, thereby positioning them for better job opportunities, contracts, and entrepreneurial growth,” he stated.
He added that the programme will also facilitate certification and continuous professional development for artisans under the SUPA scheme, ensuring that they remain competitive and relevant in an evolving construction landscape.
“This will ultimately contribute to improved quality of construction projects nationwide and strengthen public confidence in the sector,” he said.
Dr. Ogun further added that the collaboration will deepen capacity building, promote the adoption of modern techniques within the sector, improve standards in the construction industry, and contribute to Nigeria’s broader economic growth agenda.