The federal government stated on Thursday its dedication to extensive human resource development as the foundation of Nigeria's industri...
The federal government stated on Thursday its dedication to extensive human resource development as the foundation of Nigeria's industrial and economic progress, stating that the country's prosperity lies "not under the earth but in the minds and abilities of its people."
At the Industrial Training Fund and Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association Stakeholders’ Dialogue Forum along with the 2023/2024 Outstanding Trainees’ Awards Ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, stated that Nigeria's future success relies on equipping its young people with hands-on, relevant-to-industry skills.
The official emphasized that Nigeria needs to make sure its labor force is properly prepared to take advantage of the new manufacturing opportunities arising in different fields.
She stated that as the nation moves into the second stage of economic reforms, after President Bola Tinubu's decisive actions to eliminate subsidies on fuel and the foreign exchange sector, the government anticipates an industrial surge that will boost growth in line with the President’s goal of a $1 trillion economy.
She stated that industrial skills will be essential during this period, highlighting the importance of the training programs provided by the Industrial Training Fund for the country's economic development.
She stated, "The real indicator of a country's wealth is not found underground but in the intellect, labor, and spirit of its people. It is the expertise, imagination, and perseverance of citizens that turn natural resources into genuine prosperity. The capacity of a nation to educate, support, and inspire its people influences not just its output."
But also its ability to innovate and compete on a global scale to support inclusive growth. As you are aware, I am a firm supporter of developing technical skills.
As we transition into the second phase of reforms after the initial stage, during which the President made significant statements by eliminating subsidies on petroleum products and foreign exchange, we anticipate that the industrial boom will drive economic growth toward realizing the President's goal of a $1 trillion economy. At this stage, industrial expertise will be most critical, and the training provided by the ITF is extremely important and necessary at this time.
She commended the partnership between the ITF and NECA for maintaining the Technical Skills Development Project, calling it "a shining example of how government and the private sector can collaborate to address unemployment, underemployment, and the ongoing gap between classroom education and job requirements."
"In every economy, the most precious resource is not minerals but human talent. The real indicator of a country's prosperity is not found underground but in the intellect, skills, and spirit of its citizens," Uzoka-Anite stated.
Uzoka-Anite, a former Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, utilized the platform to emphasize advancements achieved through the Skill Up Artisans Programme, a nationwide initiative aimed at upgrading and formalizing the skills of millions of Nigerian artisans, introduced in 2024.
She revealed that more than 100,000 young people have already joined the program, gaining skills in essential areas like construction, ICT, renewable energy, automotive repair, and manufacturing.
"Supa is turning Nigeria's artisans into internationally competitive professionals. It connects informal skills with formal certification, while encouraging entrepreneurship and financial education," he said.
He further stated that the initiative guarantees that participants are not only capable of securing employment but also prepared to establish their own job opportunities, thus supporting President Bola Tinubu's goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy via industrial growth and enhanced workforce efficiency.
Praising the Director-General of ITF, Toyin Afiz, and NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, for maintaining the public-private collaboration, the Minister's representative emphasized that the development of technical skills should continue to be a key focus in Nigeria's financial and structural reforms.
She mentioned that the Federal Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with other economic ministries, is focusing on: Investing in human capital via organized partnerships; offering incentives to the private sector for apprenticeships and training; establishing funding systems for technical and vocational education; and providing financial support for entrepreneurship through development finance institutions.
"Only the government cannot address the employment issue. Each factory that trains an apprentice, each company that guides a young Nigerian, and each business owner who supports skill development is contributing to laying the groundwork for a more prosperous country," she said.
She praised leaders from the private sector and other global companies for their support of youth training and mentoring programs, highlighting that these actions enhance government efforts in addressing joblessness.
Nigeria's unemployment rate was 5.2 percent in the first quarter of 2025, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics, with young people making up almost two-thirds of the unemployed population. For years, industry specialists have associated this issue with a shortage of technical and vocational training that aligns with current job market demands.
The ITF–NECA Technical Skills Development Initiative, introduced in 2018, aimed to close that gap by providing Nigerian youth with practical skills that are in demand across various sectors, while also establishing routes for job opportunities and starting businesses.
Through the program, participants receive organized training, guidance, and accreditation in technical areas including mechatronics, welding, information and communication technology, and industrial maintenance, with numerous individuals securing jobs or launching their own businesses upon completion.
She called on the ITF and NECA to broaden their training efforts to reach underprivileged communities, ensuring equal access, and mentioned that the achievements of the TSDP and SUPA show that skill development is the most powerful solution to poverty and joblessness.
"In Nigeria, technical and vocational skills are not just options compared to traditional education; they serve as routes to respect, efficiency, and the country's global standing," she stated.
The Industrial Training Fund, created in 1971, serves as Nigeria's leading organization for developing human resources, tasked with fostering and supporting the acquisition of skills in industry and business.
The Nigeria Employers' Consultative Association acts as the overarching organization for private sector employers within the nation.
The combined TSDP program has equipped 60,000 Nigerians with skills in areas with high job demand since it started, with many finding employment in collaborating industries.
Earlier, the ITF Director General mentioned that 60,000 individuals have benefited from the Technical Skills Development Project, TSDP, over the past sixteen years via the ITF-NECA collaboration.
Afiz – Ogun stated that the TSDP serves as an example of the strength of cooperation between the Government and the private sector, as for more than sixteen years, this alliance has produced favorable outcomes by supporting creators, innovators, and individuals driving Nigeria's industrial and economic development.
"As our nation progresses along the route of industrialization and equitable growth, one fact stands firm: abilities have become the new form of national development," he stated.
Afiz Ogun pointed out that a capable young workforce stimulates investment and economic growth, which highlights the importance of the ITF-NECA TSDP initiative.
From his side, the Director General of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association mentioned that the recipients of the TSDP program received training in thirty-five different trades, resulting in the enhancement of several federal educational institutions throughout the nation.
Smart mentioned that the Stakeholders' Dialogue Forum is being held at the same time in nine locations throughout the country.
The continuous collaboration between ITF and NECA, along with the government's SUPRA program, is being regarded as a blueprint for creating sustainable employment and growth driven by productivity.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
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