Sanwo-Olu Reaffirms Commitment to Empowering Lagos Artisans, Unveils New Skills, Enterprise Support Initiatives
LAGOS — Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration's commitment to empowering artisans through expanded vocational training, affordable financing, improved electricity supply and business-friendly reforms, describing skilled workers as the backbone of the state's economy and a critical force for wealth creation and inclusive prosperity.
Speaking at the 2026 Lagos State Artisans Day Celebration held at the Blue Roof Complex, LTV 8, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu said artisans remain central to the state's economic development, noting that every great city is built by skilled hands.
The event, themed "Inclusive Enterprise: Artisans Driving Wealth Creation and Prosperity," brought together artisans, government officials and industry stakeholders to celebrate the contributions of skilled professionals to Lagos' economy.
The governor said artisans play indispensable roles in constructing homes, maintaining infrastructure, driving industries and sustaining Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which he described as the foundation of the state's economy.
Sanwo-Olu commended the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, led by Commissioner Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, and the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Lolade Aina, for implementing programmes aimed at promoting skills development, entrepreneurship and economic inclusion.
Acknowledging the challenges confronting artisans, including rising energy costs, limited access to affordable financing, multiple taxation and competition from unqualified operators, the governor said his administration was implementing reforms to improve the operating environment.
He disclosed that the Lagos State Harmonised Taxes and Levies Law had consolidated more than 60 taxes and levies into nine, while also prohibiting illegal collections by unauthorised unions and associations.
On electricity, Sanwo-Olu said the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission had licensed 14 independent power operators and commenced the rollout of 24-hour electricity franchise zones alongside a 100 per cent metering programme to improve power supply for businesses.
To promote professionalism within the artisan sector, the governor said the state government was strengthening annual trade tests and craftsmen certification programmes in collaboration with the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB).
He also revealed that the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) had disbursed over ₦1.9 billion in affordable loans to more than 4,000 small businesses and provided grants to 65 enterprises. According to him, the fund continues to offer collateral-free loans of up to ₦5 million at single-digit interest rates.
Sanwo-Olu further announced that an eight-week skills acquisition programme for 1,200 artisans and tradesmen had commenced, while an additional 2,000 Lagos residents would benefit from vocational and digital skills training through a partnership between the Lagos State Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
He urged artisans to embrace technology, continually upgrade their skills and mentor younger professionals, stressing that vocational careers deserve the same recognition as white-collar professions.
"When artisans thrive, families prosper. When families prosper, communities flourish, and Lagos becomes stronger, more competitive and more prosperous for all," the governor said.
Earlier, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, described the event as a celebration of hardworking artisans whose skills, dedication and enterprise continue to drive Lagos' economy.
He commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for prioritising job creation, enterprise development and economic empowerment through policies designed to expand opportunities for residents.
Ajigbotafe said artisans remain critical to economic growth through job creation, infrastructure maintenance, production of essential goods and services, as well as the training of future skilled professionals.
He reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to strengthening the sector through skills upgrading, entrepreneurship support, business formalisation, improved access to information and strategic partnerships with public and private organisations.
The commissioner also encouraged artisans to adopt digital technology and modern production techniques to improve their competitiveness in local and international markets.
In her goodwill message, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Stella Osafile, praised artisans for their immense contributions to the state's development.
She described artisans as resilient, creative and hardworking professionals whose expertise across trades such as tailoring, carpentry, cosmetology and nail technology continues to strengthen communities and boost economic growth.
Osafile urged young people to embrace vocational education, describing technical skills as viable pathways to self-reliance, entrepreneurship and sustainable wealth creation.
Also speaking, President of the Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans, Engr. Lawrence Ajayi, reaffirmed the council's commitment to working with the Lagos State Government to strengthen the informal sector.
He said artisans would continue to promote wealth creation, community development and economic prosperity through professionalism, innovation and collaboration.
The 2026 Lagos State Artisans Day celebration also featured the presentation of awards to outstanding artisans across various trades in recognition of their excellence, innovation and contributions to the development of Lagos State.
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