Shettima Tasks Stakeholders on Global Standards for Made-in-Nigeria Products
Vice President Kashim Shettima has issued a strong directive to the National Council on Skills (NCS), urging its members to ensure that Made-in-Nigeria products and services not only meet but also sustain world-class standards. This call was made during the 8th meeting of the council held at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, where Shettima emphasized the critical role of stakeholders in driving the country's industrial transformation.
Harnessing Nigerian Ingenuity for Industrial Growth
Addressing a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from federal ministries, state governments, and the private sector, Shettima highlighted the need to leverage the ingenuity and enterprise of Nigerians. He pointed out that the innovative spirit evident across communities, schools, and workshops must be effectively channeled to power the nation's ongoing industrial revolution. "Our goal is to ensure that Made in Nigeria is synonymous with world-class," the Vice President stated, underscoring the importance of positioning Nigeria for global relevance in various sectors.
Beyond WorldSkills Competition: A Broader Mandate
Shettima clarified that the council's mandate extends beyond preparations for the 48th WorldSkills Competition scheduled for Shanghai in 2026. He explained that the initiative is about ensuring Nigeria's global competitiveness, whether for an AI developer in Lagos, a precision machinist in industrial clusters like Nnewi, or a climate-smart agricultural practitioner in Benue. The Vice President identified key institutions such as the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) as essential players that must work in synergy to achieve the human capital development goals under President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
Collaboration as the Pathway to Success
Stressing the indispensability of collaboration, Shettima described it as the only viable pathway for the council to deliver on its mandate to Nigerians. "As we leave this chamber, remember who we serve. We owe them jobs. We owe them hope. We owe them a future where their skills are their currency. The future belongs to those who prepare for it today," he said, reinforcing the council's responsibility to foster economic growth and skill development.
Key Discussions and Initiatives
During the meeting, the council considered a memo on Nigeria's participation in WorldSkills Nigeria (WSN) and the upcoming Shanghai 2026 competition. Additionally, a proposal by Dangote Industries was reviewed, which aims to implement a one-month "train-the-trainer" programme for 100 candidates in five high-demand skill areas:
- Industrial mechanics
- Industrial electronics
- Instrumentation
- Welding and fabrication
- Heavy-duty earth-moving equipment operations
Members commended this initiative and requested periodic updates on its implementation to ensure its effectiveness in enhancing Nigeria's skilled workforce.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The meeting was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including:
- Governor Uba Sani
- Minister of Education, Morufu Tunji Alausa
- Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu
- Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Enoh
- Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa
- Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia
- A representative of the Dangote Foundation
This gathering underscored the collective commitment to advancing Nigeria's industrial and skill development agenda, with Shettima's call serving as a pivotal moment for stakeholders to align efforts towards achieving global standards for Made-in-Nigeria products.
