Lagos – Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to empowering artisans and strengthening vocational skills as key drivers of economic growth, wealth creation and inclusive prosperity across the state
The Governor gave the assurance on Wednesday at the 2026 Lagos State Artisans Day Celebration, held at the Blue Roof Complex, LTV 8, Agidingbi, Ikeja.
Addressing participants on the theme, "Inclusive Enterprise: Artisans Driving Wealth Creation and Prosperity," Sanwo-Olu described artisans as the backbone of Lagos' economy, stressing that every great city is built by skilled hands.
He noted that artisans play a vital role in constructing homes, maintaining infrastructure, driving industries and sustaining Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which remain the foundation of the state's economy.
The Governor commended the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, led by the Commissioner, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, and the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Lolade Aina, for implementing programmes that promote skills development and economic inclusion.
Acknowledging the challenges confronting artisans, including high energy costs, limited access to affordable finance, multiple taxation and competition from unqualified operators, Sanwo-Olu assured stakeholders that the Lagos State Government was implementing strategic reforms to address the issues.
He disclosed that the Lagos State Harmonised Taxes and Levies Law had streamlined over 60 taxes and levies into just nine, while outlawing illegal collections by unauthorised unions and associations.
On power supply, the Governor revealed that 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 enhance professionalism within the sector, he said the government was strengthening annual trade tests and craftsmen certification programmes in collaboration with the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB).
Sanwo-Olu further announced that the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) had disbursed more than ₦1.9 billion in affordable loans to over 4,000 small businesses, provided grants to 65 enterprises, and continued to offer collateral-free loans of up to ₦5 million at single-digit interest rates.
He added that an eight-week skills acquisition programme for 1,200 artisans and tradesmen had commenced, while another 2,000 Lagos residents would benefit from vocational and digital skills training through a partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The Governor urged artisans to embrace technology, continually improve their skills and mentor younger professionals, emphasising that vocational careers deserve the same recognition and respect 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, " he said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, described the event as a celebration of the hardworking men and women whose skills, dedication and enterprise continue to drive Lagos' economy.
He praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering commitment to job creation, enterprise development and economic empowerment through initiatives designed to expand opportunities for residents.
According to the Commissioner, artisans remain indispensable to the state's economic development through job creation, infrastructure maintenance, the production of essential goods and services, and the training of future skilled professionals.
Ajigbotafe reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to strengthening artisans through skills upgrading, entrepreneurship support, business formalisation, improved access to information and strategic partnerships with both public and private sector organisations.
He also encouraged artisans to embrace digital technology, adopt modern production techniques and position themselves to compete successfully in both 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, applauded artisans and tradesmen for their immense contributions to the state's growth and development.
She described artisans as resilient, creative and hardworking professionals whose services remain indispensable to Lagos' economy, noting that professionals across various trades—including tailoring, carpentry, nail technology and cosmetology—continue to strengthen communities through their expertise and enterprise.
Osafile urged young people to embrace vocational skills acquisition, describing technical and vocational professions 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 collaborating 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 featured the presentation of awards to outstanding artisans across various trades in recognition of their excellence, innovation and outstanding contributions to the continued growth and development of Lagos State.
