The Industrial Training Fund has partnered with the Cement Technology Institute of Nigeria to train and upskill 100,000 artisans across Nigeria’s construction sector.
The nationwide programme, which will be implemented in phases, is designed to equip artisans with practical skills in masonry, carpentry and joinery, tiling, electrical installation, Plaster of Paris (PoP), and plumbing.
According to a statement by the ITF’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Thomas Ngor, the initiative will be officially launched on April 21, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites.
The event is expected to attract key stakeholders from government and the private sector, including the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, and the Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Enoh.
Top industry players billed to attend include Aliko Dangote, who also serves as President of CTIN, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and the Group Managing Director of Lafarge Africa, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi.
Speaking ahead of the launch, the Director-General of ITF, Afiz Ogun, described the partnership as a strategic intervention to bridge the skills gap in Nigeria’s construction industry.
He noted that the initiative comes at a critical time when cases of building collapse continue to raise concerns nationwide, often linked to poor workmanship, inadequate training, and substandard construction practices.
According to him, the collaboration between ITF and CTIN will help address these challenges by equipping artisans with industry-relevant technical skills and promoting adherence to standard construction practices.
The programme will also strengthen the ITF’s Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) initiative by introducing enhanced training modules, exposure to modern construction techniques, and access to best practices in cement application and structural integrity.
Ogun added that the initiative would improve employability and earning potential for artisans, while also increasing their credibility within the construction value chain.
He further explained that participants would benefit from certification and continuous professional development, ensuring they remain competitive in an evolving industry.
Industry stakeholders believe the programme could significantly improve construction standards, reduce building failures, and boost confidence in Nigeria’s real estate sector.
The ITF maintained that the partnership aligns with its broader mandate to drive skills development, enhance productivity, and support national economic growth.
