FG Rallies Private Sector to Power Nigeria’s Industrial Growth, Youth Skills Drive
James Emejo in Abuja
The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, has reaffirmed the federal government’s resolve to partner with the private sector to accelerate Nigeria’s industrialisation and drive inclusive growth through massive skills and vocational training for young Nigerians.
Also speaking, Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, pledged her ministry’s continued support for programmes designed to equip youths with employable skills and keep them meaningfully engaged.
The two ministers made the commitments at the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) – Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) Stakeholders’ Forum and the 2023/2024 Outstanding Trainees Awards in Abuja.
Owan applauded ITF’s 16-year partnership with NECA in advancing skills development for Nigerian youths, stressing that the Tinubu administration is resolute in empowering young people to play key roles in national economic transformation.
He added that ongoing reforms and interventions are geared toward strengthening Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), boosting job creation, enhancing youth development, and stimulating broader economic growth.
In her remarks, Uzoka – Anite, particularly hailed the ‘Skilled Up Artisans, and SUPA programmes of ITF as one of the laudable programmes of the present administration on training and youth empowerment.
She stressed the need for more public private sector collaboration in reducing unemployment and making the youths self-reliant to combating crimes in the society.
Also, Director General, ITF, Dr. Oluwatoyin Afiz – Ogun, said 60,000 youths had so far benefited from the Technical Skills Development Project (TSDP) through partnership with NECA.
According to him, TSDP stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between government and private sector for over a decade, yielding positive results and nurturing creators, problem solvers and nation builders who are reshaping Nigeria’s industrial and economic landscape.
He said, “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 strength of our workforce – their competence , creativity and resilience will determine how effectively Nigeria competes and thrives in the global economy.”
The ITF boss pointed out that a skilled youth population often drives investment and economic development.
Earlier,, Director General, NECA, Mr. Adewale Smart said the beneficiaries of the TSDP programme were trained in 35 trade areas, noting that the project had led to the upgrade of some federal educational institutions across the country.
He said the forum was being organised simultaneously in nine centres across country.