The Lagos State Government has disbursed more than N1.9bn in affordable loans to over 4,000 small businesses and commenced an eight-week training programme for 1,200 artisans and tradesmen as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s informal economy.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed this on Tuesday at the 16th Tradesmen and Artisans Day Celebration held at De Blue Roof, LTV 8 Compound, Agidingbi, Ikeja.
Sanwo-Olu, who spoke on the theme, “Inclusive Enterprise: Artisans Driving Wealth Creation and Community Prosperity,” urged artisans to move beyond using their skills to earn a living and develop their trades into businesses capable of creating jobs and generating wealth.
“Do not just see yourself as an artisan. See yourself as an entrepreneur, an employer and a wealth creator,” the governor said.
He said the state government was strengthening support for artisans through vocational training, apprenticeship, access to finance and equipment, professional certification and wider market opportunities.
According to him, 65 enterprises have also received grants, while eligible small business owners can access up to N5m at single-digit interest rates without collateral.
Sanwo-Olu said the government had also commenced an eight-week skills training programme for 1,200 artisans and tradesmen, with further training planned in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme.
He urged artisans to keep pace with changes in the economy by adopting technology and innovation and improving their skills.
“You must embrace innovation. You must embrace technology. You must continue to improve your skills,” he said.
The governor said artisans remained important to the Lagos economy because of their contribution to employment and economic activity at the grassroots.
He said the administration’s support for the sector was based on the recognition that small businesses, artisans, traders and other informal operators were an important part of the state’s economic base.
“When we empower one entrepreneur, we strengthen a family; when we support thousands, we strengthen the economy of Lagos State,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He also highlighted the state’s Trade Test and Craftsmen Certification Programmes, implemented through the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board, saying they were aimed at improving professional standards and protecting genuine artisans from unqualified practitioners.
Sanwo-Olu said the certification programme would help raise the standard of services provided by tradesmen while giving qualified practitioners formal recognition.
The governor also linked the development of small businesses to the availability of electricity, saying Lagos had licensed 14 independent power operators and was introducing 24-hour electricity franchise zones.
He added that the state was implementing a 100 per cent metering programme, which he said would improve electricity access for businesses and other consumers.
Sanwo-Olu said the various interventions were intended to help artisans build businesses that could grow beyond individual operations and create employment for others.
He assured the tradesmen that the government would continue to listen to their concerns and introduce measures to support their businesses.
The governor said the administration’s objective was to ensure that residents who had acquired practical skills could use them to establish sustainable enterprises.
The celebration was attended by the Head of Service, Bode Agoro; Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Wealth Creation and Employment, Funke Osafile; members of the state Executive Council and Body of Permanent Secretaries; heads of government agencies and parastatals; the President of the Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans; traditional rulers; leaders of artisan associations; captains of industry and development partners.