By Victor Okoye
Nigeria’s artisan sector remains vital to the economy but risks stagnation unless it rapidly embraces digitalisation to boost sustainability, income stability and global competitiveness, an expert has said.
Femi Oyelade, Creative Director and artisan advocate, said artisans form the backbone of Nigeria’s informal economy but remain largely invisible in modern digital marketplaces.
“Artisans contribute immensely to national growth, but many still work in isolation, using outdated tools and limited networks,” Oyelade told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.
He noted that the informal sector contributes about 65 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), warning that digital exclusion poses a serious threat to long-term productivity and prosperity.
According to Oyelade, digitalisation aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, and SDG 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure.
“Digital tools are no longer optional; they are essential for decent jobs, innovation and sustainable livelihoods for millions of skilled Nigerians,” he said.
Oyelade identified market invisibility as a major challenge, noting that most artisans still rely on word-of-mouth referrals and roadside advertising.
“This limits artisans to neighbourhood jobs and denies them national and international opportunities,” he said.
He added that financial instability remains widespread due to irregular income and the absence of digital transaction records.
“Without digital footprints, artisans are locked out of loans, insurance, and formal credit systems,” Oyelade explained.
The expert also cited skills gaps, observing that traditional apprenticeship models rarely integrate modern technologies or standardised training.
“Digital skills, from online learning to smart construction tools, are now as important as manual expertise,” he said.
Oyelade said digital platforms could significantly expand market access by enabling artisans to showcase their services beyond their immediate locations.
“Online marketplaces democratise access, reduce middlemen and help artisans price competitively,” he noted.
He added that smart technologies could enhance productivity and reduce waste across various trades.
“Digital leak detection, smart sensors and online tutorials already improve quality and efficiency for plumbers, electricians, and painters,” he said.
On financial inclusion, Oyelade said mobile payments and e-wallets could strengthen business resilience.
“Digital payments create records that banks can trust, helping artisans access equipment loans and grow sustainably,” he said.
He called for integrated training programmes that combine technical expertise with digital skills.
“Programmes like ITF’s SUPA are steps in the right direction, and platforms like Artisan Hub NG are ready to collaborate,” Oyelade said.
He also urged government to prioritise affordable electricity, data and digital infrastructure under the National Digital Economy Policy.
“Lower connectivity costs will accelerate adoption and unlock innovation at the grassroots,” he said.
Oyelade further advocated cooperative-driven digital adoption to reduce individual costs.
“Through cooperatives, artisans can jointly access expensive ICT tools and negotiate better opportunities,” he said.
He concluded that digitalisation would transform artisans from informal survivors into sustainable entrepreneurs.
“Digital tools will make Nigeria’s invisible pillars visible, prosperous, and globally relevant.
“Artisans are encouraged to register free and upload profiles at www.theartisanhub.ng for visibility and opportunities,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
