Tinubu’s Policies Working, Nigerians’ll Be Happier After Re-election — ITF DG

The Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund, Dr Afiz Ogun, has said President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms are working and expressed confidence that Nigerians will be happier if the President is re-elected.

Ogun made the remarks on Thursday in Jos during an event marking the 55th anniversary of the Industrial Training Fund and his third year as Director-General.

The ITF boss said he was moved to speak in support of the President after observing the reactions of participants at the event, acknowledging that many Nigerians were still facing economic difficulties.

He said some of the reforms that had attracted criticism, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market, were necessary steps for the country.

According to Ogun, the previous foreign exchange system made it difficult for businesses and investors to plan because of instability in the exchange rate.

He argued that the current administration’s reforms had created greater stability, although he acknowledged that Nigerians were still experiencing hardship as the changes took effect.

On fuel subsidy removal, Ogun said the previous system had benefited a limited number of people and contributed to fuel shortages, smuggling and other distortions in the petroleum market.

He urged Nigerians to remain patient with the reforms, saying their benefits would become more apparent over time.

The ITF Director-General also cited developments in the education sector, saying industrial harmony had improved under the Tinubu administration.

Ogun said the government’s policies were also producing results within the ITF, noting that staff welfare and institutional reforms had contributed to improvements in the organisation’s performance.

He disclosed that the ITF had expanded its skills development programmes, strengthened partnerships with local and international organisations and increased its focus on vocational training and certification.

The Fund has also expanded the Skill-Up Artisans programme, designed to train, retrain, standardise and certify Nigerian artisans.

Ogun urged Nigerians to look beyond ethnic and religious considerations when assessing government policies and to focus on their impact on the country.

He also appealed to Nigerians to support policies that, in his view, would strengthen the economy and create opportunities for citizens.

The ITF was established in 1971 to address manpower development needs in Nigeria. Ogun said the Fund would continue to focus on skills development, digital transformation and partnerships aimed at strengthening the country’s workforce.