NIMS 2026 To Hold in October As SSA, ITF Restate Commitment To Skills Development

To unlock Nigeria’s human capital for industrial transformation, the Federal Government has promised to continue to build skills and drive innovation that will create prosperity for the country.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Manpower Development, Mr Adamson Oluwatosin Ayinde made the promise during a Joint Press Conference with the Director General of the Industrial Training Fund, ITF, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun on the forthcoming National Industrial Manpower Summit, NIMS 2026 in Abuja.

Mr Oluwatosin Ayinde who described skills development as key to job creation, poverty reduction and national economic development said the NIMS 2026 would be used to further consolidate on the gains of the 2025 edition towards actualizing the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s led administration in the area of skills development in the country.

According to him, the Summit which is scheduled to hold on 15th and 16th October, 2026, at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja has as its theme:
“Unlocking Nigeria’s Human Capital for Industrial Transformation: Building Skills, Driving Innovation and Creating Prosperity.”.

“NIMS was established as a Presidential platform to address a fundamental question: How do we develop the skilled, productive and innovative workforce required to drive Nigeria’s industrial transformation?” He said

In his words “The inaugural NIMS in 2025 brought together over 2,500 delegates from more than 10 countries, with about 120 speakers and resource persons and more than five MOUs signed are more importantly, the Communiqué and recommendations arising from the Summit were transmitted to the Presidency and have continued to inform policy engagements and interventions”.

“Today, I am pleased that NIMS is beginning to demonstrate that it is not merely another conference, but a platform capable of contributing to real policy and institutional outcomes and among the issues raised at NIMS 2025 was the need for greater coordination and clarity in Nigeria’s skills-development ecosystem, including the responsibilities of institutions such as ITF and NBTE.

“We are encouraged by the progress being made through the national skills architecture, particularly the National Council on Skills chaired by His Excellency, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON and we are equally pleased with the increased prominence given to manpower development within Nigeria’s National Industrial Policy launched this year” the SSA stated

Mr. Oluwatosin Ayinde further stated that “This is important because industrial development cannot be separated from the development of the people who will operate, manage and innovate within our industries and there has also been the free registration and training of over 250,000 Nano, Micro and Small Businesses as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, being implemented through the CAC, ITF and SMEDAN, this is to help to formalise enterprises and strengthen the capacity of Nigerians operating within the MSME and informal sectors.

“Another major recommendation was the creation of a National Industrial Manpower Competence Registry/Portal. Development of this initiative is now underway in partnership with the Industrial Training Fund and Bank of Industry and this is particularly important because inadequate data on Nigeria’s available industrial skills and projected manpower requirements remains a significant challenge. �
Furthermore, skills-development financial support, with the support of the DG ITF, was provided to about 50 participants following the last Summit. We intend to substantially expand the number of beneficiaries this year and strengthen the pathway from skills acquisition to certification, employment, entrepreneurship and enterprise development.

He explained that NIMS 2026 will concentrate on four strategic areas which include: reforming workforce development for industrial growth; preparing Nigerian talent for emerging industries and future technologies; transforming skills into jobs, enterprises and manufacturing capacity; and positioning Nigeria as Africa’s hub for industrial talent and innovation.

“We intend to advance the development of a 10-year National Industrial Workforce Strategy, develop sector-specific workforce roadmaps, strengthen TVET and apprenticeship systems, deepen industry-academia collaboration and accelerate skills development in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, automation, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing. �
Most importantly, we want every major outcome of NIMS 2026 to have clear ownership, timelines and accountability.

“Nigeria cannot industrialise without developing its people.
Infrastructure is important. Capital is important. Technology is important. But ultimately, it is skilled and productive people who will operate the machines, build the enterprises, develop the technologies and create the industries.
NIMS 2026 is therefore not just another Summit. It is a call to government, industry, academia, development partners, professional bodies, organised labour and our young people to collectively build the workforce Nigeria needs for its industrial future* He added

Also speaking, the Director General of the Industrial Training Fund, ITF, Dr Afiz Oluwatoyin – Ogun said the 2025 edition of NIMS had led to various laudable programmes and policies contributing to the expansion of Technical and Vocational Skills Training reforms and Standardized Skill Certification in the country.

Dr. Oluwatoyin – Ogun therefore reiterated the commitment of ITF towards empowering stakeholders in the nation’s Informa sector most especially Nigerian Artisans towards reducing unemployment in the country.

“As Principal Partner and Co-Host of this Presidential initiative, the ITF expresses its gratitude to the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, led by Hon. Adamson Oluwatosin Ayinde. Your visionary leadership as the convener of this summit reflects a commitment to transforming Nigeria’s industrial landscape through human capital development” ITF DG said

According to him, the first summit established NIMS as Nigeria’s premier high-level platform for bridging the gap between education, vocational training, and industry requirements.

“Under the theme “Unlocking Nigeria’s Human Capital for Industrial Transformation: Building Skills, Driving Innovation and Creating Prosperity,” NIMS 2026 will serve as the central meeting point for policymakers, industrial leaders, educators, and global development partners” He stressed

In his words”As Co-Host and Principal Partner, the ITF brings over five decades of institutional training experience, national infrastructure, and industry relationships to deliver on key summit outcomes:
1. A 10-Year National Industrial Workforce Strategy Roadmap.
2. Expanded TVST Reforms and Standardized Skill Certifications.
3. Cross-Sector Partnerships to fund, scale, and integrate skilled local talent into key manufacturing, technology, and industrial sectors.
4. Call to Action & Closing Remarks
To our partners in the media: you are essential to this national drive. We count on your reach to communicate the opportunities, vision, and deliverables of NIMS 2026 to industries, training institutions, and young Nigerians across the country.”.

“To our private sector partners, investors, and industry captains: this summit is designed to solve your primary workforce challenges. We invite you to join us in shaping the talent pipeline that will power your growth and elevate Nigeria’s global industrial competitiveness and together with the Office of the SSA to the President on Industrial Training and Development, Hon. Adamson Oluwatosin Ayinde, the Industrial Training Fund remains dedicated to equipping our nation’s greatest asset—its people—for longterm economic prosperity.

While soliciting the support of all stakeholders and the media towards ensuring the success of NIMS 2026, Dr. Oluwatoyin – Ogun expressed the hope that the nation’s economy would receive a boost if adequate attention is given to skills development.