ITF reiterates plans to empower workers

The Director General of the Industrial Training Fund, Dr Afiz Ogun

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The Industrial Training Fund has renewed its pledge to equip Nigeria’s technical workforce with skills relevant to modern industry, a move aimed at tackling the country’s persistent youth unemployment and widening digital skills gap. The initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

During a recent visit to the Lanre Shittu Motor Assembly plant in Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos, ITF Director-General Dr. Afiz Ogun emphasised the organisation’s broader mission of national development through skills acquisition.

He said the Fund is also finalising a business incubation scheme to help trainees launch their own enterprises after completing the programme, extending support beyond traditional employment.

Ogun highlighted the Skills Upgrading and Professional Advancement programme, launched by President Bola Tinubu’s administration through ITF, as a key mechanism for enhancing workforce capacity.

“SUPA goes beyond just providing starter packs. We discovered that giving starter packs is not enough; at the end of it, it’s like going back to square one. The programme focuses on retraining, retooling, and certifying Nigerian artisans to meet international standards, enabling them to compete both locally and globally,” he said.

To improve training quality, ITF is collaborating with partners such as Lanre Shittu Motors to procure modern, industry-standard equipment for participants. Ogun commended LSM for their training programmes, noting that the collaboration reflects ITF’s broader commitment to bridging Nigeria’s skills gap and fostering economic development.

The Managing Director/CEO of LSM, Mr. Taiwo Shittu, praised President Tinubu’s initiatives that have energised the nation’s auto industry. He affirmed the company’s commitment to supporting local automotive development through training technicians and providing modern tools.

“We have established three training centres across three states for technicians passionate about automotive development. The centres are fully equipped, and trainees are well prepared. After training, we deploy them to service our customers nationwide, ensuring they are employed, accommodated, and paid well,” Shittu said.

He added that the collaboration with ITF represents a long-awaited achievement for LSM and expressed gratitude to the Fund for its support in empowering the automotive workforce.

Justice has over three years experience spanning digital and print media. At The PUNCH, he currently covers the automobile sector with special interest in features and industry analysis.

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