Nigerian cement producers and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) have sealed a pact for the training of artisans in the cement and building sectors. The move aims to bridge the skill gaps in the two sectors and also reduce the export of jobs to other African countries. The ITF has received around US$82.21 million (NGN 15 billion) from the Cement Technology Institute of Nigeria (CTIN) for the initiative.
The first phase of the artisans’ training is set to begin soon. It will cover one Nigerian state each under the six geo-political zones and three peculiar states of Port-Harcourt, Kano and Lagos. A total of 350 artisans and craftsmen in each state will benefit from the entire training programme, according to Aliko Dangote, chairman, Board of Trustees of CTIN. The training programme will cover various trade areas among others, block making or inter-locking tile works, plumbing, masonry, electrical works, plaster of Paris (PoP) works, tile laying and carpentry.
