Stakeholders Advocate More Engagement As Kano Hosts NATCO 2025

Stakeholders have emphasised the need for continuous engagement with artisans and technicians to unlock their full economic potential.

This was disclosed at the Nigerian Artisan and Technicians’ Conference (NATCO 2025) held from May 25 to 27, 2025. The event, with the theme “2025 Nigerian Artisan and Technicians Conference: A Milestone for Skill Development and Economic Growth”, attracted participants from across the country to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and promote skill-based enterprise growth. It was held at the Kano State Trade Fair Complex, Zoo Road.

Stakeholders engaged in robust dialogue on policies, partnerships, and innovations that can uplift millions of skilled workers and contribute meaningfully to the national GDP.

The three-day event featured technical workshops, exhibitions, and breakout sessions that connected artisans and technicians with mentors, market opportunities, and institutional stakeholders.

The high-profile gathering attracted notable dignitaries, including the representative of the Honourable Commissioner, Kano State Ministry of Trade, Investment, Cooperative and Mineral Resources, Alhaji Mahmoud Bala; the Director General of the Kano State Small and Medium Scale Enterprise Agency, Alhaji Nasir Mansur Mohammed; the Convener of NATCO and managing director of Global Sight Services Limited, Dayo Bello; and the representative of the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Engr. Imam Mohammed.

In his address, the convener, Dayo Bello emphasised the urgent need for continuous engagement with artisans and technicians to unlock their full economic potential, describing the event as a “defining moment for inclusive industrial development.” Bello, who is also the managing director of Global Sight Services Limited, called for collaboration across all levels of government and the private sector.

Similarly, Alhaji Nasir Mansur Mohammed reiterated the Kano State Government’s unwavering support for MSMEs, noting that the administration remains committed to initiatives that drive skill acquisition and entrepreneurship across the state.

Speaking on behalf of the Federal Ministry, Engr. Imam Mohammed, representative of the Minister of State for Industry, emphasised the critical need for stronger institutional support for artisans and technicians. He noted that vocational workers remain the backbone of Nigeria’s production capacity and reiterated the federal government’s commitment to advancing inclusive industrial policies that cater to the informal and semi-formal sectors.

Also addressing participants, Alhaji Nasir Mansur Mohammed, the director general of the Kano State Small and Medium Scale Enterprise Agency, highlighted Kano State’s continued dedication to nurturing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He pointed to various state-led interventions in vocational training and access to finance, stressing that local artisans are crucial to achieving sustainable economic growth in the region.

As part of the federal government’s support at the conference, the Corporate Affairs Commission registered participants’ companies at a discounted rate of N11,100.