The FG Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) Training Programme is one of the leading Federal Government Empowerment Programmes aimed at promoting vocational training in Nigeria, skills acquisition, workforce development, and financial empowerment. Through practical training and recognised certification, the programme creates employment opportunities and supports small business development for Nigerians seeking sustainable careers.
The programme is designed for skilled artisans, aspiring artisans, and young Nigerians who want to acquire modern technical skills that meet industry standards.
SUPA is one of the Federal Government's largest skills development initiatives, with a target of empowering up to 10 million artisans across Nigeria through technology-driven training, certification, and business support.
The Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA) is a flagship initiative of the Federal Government through the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). It aims to upgrade the skills of Nigerian artisans and prepare them for modern workplaces through practical training and internationally recognised standards.
The programme seeks to bridge the growing skills gap in Nigeria by providing technical and vocational education that supports:
Employment opportunities
Entrepreneurship development
Small business growth
Workforce development
Financial independence
SUPA focuses on practical skills that can create jobs and improve the earning capacity of Nigerian youths and artisans.
Selected participants stand to benefit from:
Participants will receive practical hands-on training in their chosen trade at approved training centres.
Successful participants will obtain recognised certifications that can improve their employability and business credibility.
The programme promotes official licensing and standardisation of artisans across Nigeria.
Reports indicate that eligible trainees who maintain at least 90% attendance may receive a monthly stipend of about ₦35,000 during the training period.
Participants may gain access to:
Entrepreneurship training
Business incubation support
Mentorship opportunities
Modern toolkits
Access to funding opportunities
The programme aims to:
Identify and register artisans across Nigeria.
Provide Industry 4.0 compliant vocational training.
Deliver health and safety training.
Certify and license artisans.
Improve access to modern tools and equipment.
Support entrepreneurship and SME growth.
Increase access to local and international job opportunities.
Applicants may be trained in various vocational and technical fields, including:
Electrical Installation
Plumbing and Pipe Fitting
Carpentry and Furniture Making
Welding and Fabrication
Masonry
Fashion Design and Tailoring
Auto Mechanic
Agriculture and Agro-allied Services
Poultry Farming
ICT and Digital Skills
Hospitality and Catering
Housekeeping
Cyber Security
Additional trades may be added as the programme expands.
The Federal Government, through the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has significantly expanded the number of approved training centres under the Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme to ensure that artisans across Nigeria have easy access to quality vocational training.
According to the Director-General of the ITF, the organisation initially enlisted over 800 approved training centres nationwide for the programme. To accommodate the increasing number of applicants, the ITF is currently expanding the network to about 1,500 training centres across Nigeria. This expansion will allow more Nigerians to participate in the programme regardless of their state of residence.
The approved training centres are strategically located across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, ensuring that trainees can be assigned to centres close to their homes.
Approved SUPA training centres provide:
Modern practical workshops and equipment
Hands-on vocational and technical training
Certified instructors and industry experts
Occupational health and safety training
Entrepreneurship and business management classes
Preparation for professional certification examinations
After completing the online registration and screening process, successful applicants are assigned to approved training centres based on:
Their state of residence
Preferred trade or skill area
Availability of training facilities
Proximity to the applicant's location
This approach ensures that participants receive quality training without the burden of travelling long distances.
Yes. The Industrial Training Fund has confirmed plans to increase the number of enlisted training centres from over 800 to approximately 1,500 centres nationwide as the programme expands. This will create more training opportunities and enable the Federal Government to achieve its goal of empowering millions of Nigerian artisans with employable skills.
The expansion of these centres demonstrates the Federal Government's commitment to promoting Skills Acquisition in Nigeria, Vocational Training, Technical Education, Entrepreneurship Development, and Youth Employment Opportunities across the country.
Many industries now require workers with specialised technical skills. However, there remains a shortage of qualified artisans in several sectors due to increasing interest in white-collar jobs.
SUPA was introduced to:
Increase the number of skilled artisans in Nigeria
Improve the quality of services offered by artisans
Promote professional certification and licensing
Enhance productivity in small businesses
Support economic growth through vocational skills
You may apply if you:
Are a Nigerian citizen.
Possess a National Identification Number (NIN).
Are a skilled artisan, intending artisan, or trainee.
Are willing to complete the training programme.
Are interested in acquiring practical skills for employment or entrepreneurship.
Applicants may be required to provide:
Full Name
Date of Birth
Residential Address
Phone Number
Email Address
National Identification Number (NIN)
State of Residence
Local Government Area
Passport Photograph
Ensure that all information provided is accurate during registration.
Follow these simple steps:
Visit the registration portal:
https://supa.itf.gov.ng/signup
Select your preferred category:
Skilled Artisan
Intending Artisan
Training Centre
Fill in your personal information correctly.
Create your account password.
Submit your registration.
Log in and complete your KYC profile.
Submit your final application for review.
The Industrial Training Fund is expanding the programme beyond skills acquisition.
Beneficiaries may also receive:
Entrepreneurship and business management training
Business incubation support
Access to mentorship programmes
Support for small business development
Opportunities for internationally recognised certifications
This means that participants are not only trained to become skilled artisans but are also equipped to build sustainable businesses.
No official closing date has been announced at the time of writing. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.
Apply here:
https://supa.itf.gov.ng/signup
Yes.
The Skill-Up Artisans Programme is completely free for successful applicants. No application fee is required, and candidates are advised to apply only through the official ITF portal.
The FG Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) Training Programme 2026 is an excellent opportunity for Nigerians seeking vocational training, technical skills development, artisan certification, entrepreneurship support, and employment opportunities.
Whether you are already practising a trade or looking to learn a new skill, SUPA offers a pathway to improve your income, gain professional recognition, and build a sustainable future.
Beyond skills acquisition, the FG SUPA Programme provides a pathway to career development, financial empowerment, and business growth opportunities. Participants can benefit from vocational education, entrepreneurship training, and improved access to employment opportunities in Nigeria's growing economy.
If you are interested, apply early before available training slots are filled.