Rt. Hon. Rikiji Champions National Roadmap for Artisan Development at NALSUM 2025
Abuja, Nigeria –18 June 2025
In a momentous gathering of skilled workers, stakeholders, and policymakers at the Nigerian Artisans’ Leadership Summit (NALSUM) 2025, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sanusi Garuba Rikiji, former Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly and the National Patron of the Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT), delivered a powerful message of hope, support, and visionary leadership for the future of Nigeria’s artisan community.
Held at the National Centre for Women Development in Abuja, the summit brought together a broad cross-section of Nigeria’s informal sector actors, including regional leaders, cooperative unions, technical instructors, youth representatives, and government officials. The event, convened by the Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ANAT), aimed to foster high-level dialogue on transforming the informal economy through structured support for artisans and technicians.
In his remarks to newsmen, Rt. Hon. Rikiji emphasized the importance of structured systems that empower artisans—highlighting access to training, tools, certification, and financial support as essential components for growth. He particularly lauded the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for its role in vocational training and certification, calling it a cornerstone of credibility and economic upliftment.
“Certification is a necessary step in the journey of artisanship in Nigeria. It doesn’t just validate skills; it increases the artisan’s value, employability, and self-worth,” Rikiji affirmed.
Delivering a bold keynote, Rt. Hon. Rikiji called for the urgent development of a comprehensive National Artisan Roadmap to empower and advance the informal workforce. According to him, the summit represents a turning point—an opportunity to reposition artisans and technicians as central players in Nigeria’s economic transformation.
“We have gathered here today not just for deliberation, but to collectively design a sustainable roadmap that will uplift Nigerian artisans, recognize their vital contributions, and unlock their full potential in nation-building,” he declared.
The summit saw active engagement from leaders in industry, education, and governance, with dialogues centered on formalizing the informal sector, enhancing access to funding, and modernizing technical education. Rikiji, widely respected for his legislative record and grassroots advocacy, stressed the need for robust policy alignment between the government and artisan associations.
“Artisans are the backbone of every thriving economy. From construction to carpentry, mechanics to fashion design, their creativity and resilience sustain our communities,” he said. “It is time they are not only trained and supported but also protected under national economic frameworks.”
“Rt. Hon. Rikiji’s leadership is timely and visionary. We are ready to implement practical strategies that will improve the livelihood and dignity of every artisan in this country,” Garuba noted.
Throughout the summit, participants addressed pressing challenges faced by the sector—including outdated tools, lack of finance, poor regulation, and low public recognition. Key recommendations included the establishment of a national artisan database, enhanced certification systems, and stronger public-private partnerships to fund skill acquisition and capacity-building initiatives.
Rikiji urged both public and private sector stakeholders to increase investments in vocational education and partner actively with associations like ASNAT and ANAT to professionalize the sector. He encouraged artisans to embrace innovation and lifelong learning as tools for sustainability.
“We must stop seeing artisans as informal actors and start recognizing them as key stakeholders in the Nigerian economy. With the right support, they can drive industrialization, reduce unemployment, and foster community development.”
In his keynote address, Rikiji described artisans not merely as workers, but as builders of society, creators of value, and guardians of cultural heritage. His words resonated with hundreds of delegates from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, leaving a lasting impression on all present.
He commended ASNAT for organizing the summit and praised the ITF for providing critical support in training and certification—emphasizing once more that validation of skills is crucial for upward mobility in today’s economy.
The NALSUM 2025 summit featured policy panels, training showcases, and inspirational success stories, all underscoring the critical role of artisanship in national development. It concluded with a united pledge by stakeholders to develop a National Strategy for Artisan Development, focusing on professionalism, expanded market access, and enhanced dignity in skilled labor.
As National Patron of ASNAT, Rt. Hon. Sanusi Garuba Rikiji’s leadership continues to inspire a new era of advocacy and development for Nigeria’s artisan community—giving voice and visibility to millions of Nigerians whose labor powers the heart of the economy.
The Nigerian Artisans’ Leadership Summit 2025 marked a pivotal moment in the journey toward formalizing and empowering Nigeria’s skilled workforce. With the leadership of Rt. Hon. Sanusi Garuba Rikiji and the collaborative efforts of stakeholders nationwide, a renewed vision for the artisan community is emerging—one rooted in dignity, opportunity, and national inclusion. As the call for a unified roadmap grows louder, the summit has laid a solid foundation for transforming the informal sector into a recognized engine of economic development and social progress. The task ahead is clear: to match words with action, and vision with sustained implementation.
