By Jumoke Olaitan
The Equipment Leasing Registration Authority (ELRA) has assured artisans and technicians in Nigeria of improved professionalism and standardisation through access to modern equipment and structured certification systems.
Dr Emmanuel Metuaghan, Director Planning, Strategy and Coordination, ELRA, gave the assurance during the 2026 Abuja Artisans and Technicians Forum, on Thursday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum is themed “Bridging the Artisan Gap: Professionalising and Standardising the Informal Sector for Economic Growth in Nigeria.”
The event focused on addressing challenges facing artisans, including lack of equipment, certification and industry standards.
Metuaghan said the organisation, established in 2015, could help artisans and technicians achieve professionalism and standardisation.
According to him, bridging the gap requires access to modern equipment, which many artisans cannot afford but which is essential for meeting standardised and export-ready production requirements.
He explained that equipment leasing provided artisans access to modern tools without upfront payment.
“You do not need to look for money to acquire equipment because leasing arrangements allow access without advance payment,” he said.
Metuaghan urged artisans and technicians to take advantage of leasing opportunities to standardise their work while also contributing to national economic growth.
Also speaking, Head of Strategy at Century Information Systems Ltd., Mr Abiola Kabir, identified certification as a major challenge facing artisans.
Kabir said arrangements were underway to establish standardised certification for artisans through collaboration with ELRA and international organisations.
He added that the initiative would enable artisans and technicians obtain certifications recognised both locally and internationally.
In his remarks, the National Coordinator of the forum, Bamidele Ojo, said Nigeria had about 120 million registered artisans, including auto mechanics, tailors, tilers, carpenters and furniture makers.
Ojo, however, noted that significant gaps remained because many trained artisans lacked equipment and professional certification required to practise effectively.
He said the absence of standardisation continued to affect professionalism within the sector.
“We need proper certification for artisans in Nigeria. Currently, there is no universally recognised certification qualifying an artisan professionally,” he said.
He appealed to government and relevant stakeholders to support artisans through provision of modern equipment, certification programmes and structured empowerment initiatives to enhance their contribution to economic growth.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi
