BOI to empower artisans for economic growth

BOI to empower artisans for economic growth

The Bank of Industry (BOI) has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Nigerian artisans and technicians, recognizing them as vital contributors to the country’s future industrial development. Speaking at the 2025 Nigerian Artisans Leadership Summit themed “Unlocking the Inherent Potential of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians”, BOI’s Managing Director, Dr. Olasupo Olusi (represented by Executive Director Mabel Ndagi), emphasized that the bank sees the over 12 million artisans in Nigeria as central to grassroots enterprise and national transformation.

Olusi noted that despite their importance, artisans face significant challenges including lack of affordable financing, poor access to modern equipment, inadequate training, weak business structures, and limited participation in exports. To address these, BOI’s 2025–2027 Corporate Strategy focuses on six pillars: strengthening MSMEs, promoting youth empowerment and skills development, boosting digital economy opportunities, supporting climate resilience, investing in infrastructure, and ensuring gender inclusion.

The bank stressed the need for structured interventions to better integrate artisans into the formal economy, ensure their talents are nurtured, and provide them with access to opportunities and support necessary for sustainable growth.