ITF DG: Tinubu’s Reforms Are Working, Nigerians Will Be Happier After Re-Election

The Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr Afiz Ogun, has said the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are beginning to produce results, expressing confidence that Nigerians will experience greater prosperity if the President is re-elected.

Ogun made the statement on Thursday in Jos, Plateau State, during the ceremony marking the 55th anniversary of the ITF and his third year in office as Director-General.

Speaking before delivering his formal address, the ITF boss said he was encouraged to speak in support of the administration after observing the reactions and body language of participants at the event.

He acknowledged the economic difficulties being experienced by Nigerians, particularly the high cost of fuel and other essential goods, but argued that some of the government’s major reforms were necessary to put the economy on a more stable footing.

According to Ogun, two of the policies that have attracted significant criticism—fuel subsidy removal and exchange-rate unification—were introduced in the interest of the country’s long-term economic stability.

He explained that the previous exchange-rate system created uncertainty for investors because the value of the naira against the dollar frequently fluctuated.

He argued that the current administration’s decision to unify the exchange-rate market would eventually create a more predictable environment for businesses and investors.

Ogun also defended the removal of fuel subsidies, saying the previous system had been abused by individuals who allegedly profited from the arrangement while ordinary Nigerians continued to face fuel shortages and high prices.

He urged Nigerians to be patient with the reforms, noting that major economic changes often take time before their benefits become fully visible.

The ITF Director-General also praised Tinubu’s leadership style, recalling his experience in Lagos State and his appointment as ITF boss despite having no previous personal relationship with the President.

Ogun said Tinubu’s decision to appoint people from different ethnic backgrounds while serving as Lagos State governor demonstrated his preference for competence over ethnicity.

He said the same approach was reflected in the President’s decision to appoint him to head the ITF in 2023.

Speaking about his achievements at the ITF, Ogun said his administration had focused heavily on skills development, digital transformation, staff welfare and partnerships with local and international organisations.

He said the Fund had expanded its vocational training programmes and introduced initiatives aimed at improving the employability and productivity of Nigerians.

One of the major programmes highlighted was the Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) initiative, which was designed to train, retrain, certify and professionalise artisans across the country.

According to him, hundreds of thousands of Nigerians have benefited from the programme, while another 200,000 people are targeted for training in 2026.

He added that more than 7,000 artisans had undergone international certification examinations.

Ogun said the ITF had also moved away from its traditional starter-pack approach by introducing three exit pathways for beneficiaries: the Talent Export Pathway, Industry Placement Pathway and Business Incubation Pathway.

He added that the Fund had assessed more than 1,300 training centres, with 776 approved to provide quality vocational training.

The ITF boss also listed partnerships with organisations in Turkey, the United Kingdom, Japan and Nigeria as part of efforts to improve the quality and international recognition of skills training in the country.

On staff welfare, Ogun said his administration had implemented promotion exercises, capacity-building programmes, health insurance and pension schemes, as well as staff loan programmes.

He also cited infrastructure projects, including the renovation of offices, construction of a fuel station at the ITF headquarters, staff accommodation, skills training centres and solar power projects.

He said the ITF’s admission as the 83rd member of WorldSkills International, as well as the establishment of the WorldSkills Academy in Abuja, represented significant achievements for Nigeria’s skills-development sector.

Ogun urged Nigerians to look beyond ethnic and religious considerations when assessing the performance of government.

He said the country’s development should remain the priority and expressed optimism that Nigeria would become more prosperous under the current administration.

The 55th anniversary celebration, held at the Yakubu Gowon Auditorium and Gymnasium Complex in Jos, featured cultural performances, interfaith prayers and a novelty football match between ITF management and junior staff.

The celebration is expected to continue on Friday with a staff training walk, visits to an orphanage and correctional facility, and indoor sporting activities.

The event was attended by senior government officials and other dignitaries, including the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, Bamanga Usman Jada, who congratulated the ITF on its achievements and described its training facilities as being of international standard.

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