follow and like on:
By Rukayat Moisemhe
Dr Ngozi Oyewole, Director-General, Business Women of Influence for Renewed Hope Agenda (BWI-RHA) has described technical training and structured apprenticeship programmes as critical parameters, to engender a skilled workforce.
She added that it was also a parameter to strengthen the country’s manufacturing sector.
Oyewole, also Chairperson, Wood and Wood Products Sectoral Group, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.
She spoke against the backdrop of concerns raised by Mr Tosin Eniolorunda, Founder, Moniepoint, on difficulties filling some vacancies with qualified local candidates, due to talent gaps and unmet global standards.
According to her, technical training and apprenticeships will help bridge traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques, reduce skills gaps and support the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
She added that industry-led apprenticeship programmes, coordinated through MAN, in collaboration with institutions such as the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) would ensure training curricula aligned with real industry needs.
The director-general further stated that the approach would professionalise the sector, improve efficiency and prepare the workforce for sustainable growth.
“Technical training and structured apprenticeships can significantly strengthen the wood and wood products sector, by building a skilled workforce that improves productivity, product quality and competitiveness.
“By bridging traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques, training reduces skills gaps, supports SME growth and creates decent jobs,” she said.
On measures needed to improve the wood sector’s performance in 2026, Oyewole called for consistent implementation of the wood export ban.
She added that incentives for local processing and value addition, improved access to affordable finance and streamlined regulatory processes, would enhance operational efficiencies of the sector.
Oyewole said MAN had continued to engage government on practical implementation of policies, while providing evidence-based feedback from manufacturers and advocating measures that reduced bottlenecks and encouraged investment.
According to her, such actions will help stabilise raw material supply, lower production costs, as well as create an enabling environment for manufacturers to expand operations.
The MAN chairperson also urged industry players to prioritise investment in modern equipment, continuous skills development, sustainable sourcing and product innovation to ensure long-term growth and sustainability.
She said the association remained committed to promoting best practices, facilitate capacity building and encourage collaboration across the value chain.
“By aligning profitability with environmental responsibility and innovation, the sector can remain competitive, while safeguarding raw material supply for the future,” she said. (NAN)
Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Olawunmi Ashafa
Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Olawunmi Ashafa
follow and like on:
