By Victor Okoye
Nigeria’s artisan sector remains vital to the economy but risks stagnation unless rapidly digitalised to boost sustainability, income stability, and global competitiveness, an expert has said.
Femi Oyelade, Creative Director and advocate for artisans, said artisans form the backbone of Nigeria’s informal economy, yet remain largely invisible in modern digital marketplaces.
“Artisans contribute immensely to national growth, but many still work in isolation, using outdated tools and limited networks,” Oyelade told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.
He noted that the informal sector contributes about 65 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP, stressing that digital exclusion threatens long-term productivity and prosperity.
According to Oyelade, digitalisation aligns with Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8 on decent work and SDG 9 on innovation and infrastructure.
“Digital tools are no longer optional; they are essential for decent jobs, innovation and sustainable livelihoods for millions of skilled Nigerians,” he said.
He identified market invisibility as a major challenge, with most artisans relying on word-of-mouth and roadside advertising.
“This limits artisans to neighbourhood jobs and denies them national and international opportunities,” he said.
Financial instability, he added, remains widespread due to irregular income and lack of digital transaction records.
“Without digital footprints, artisans are locked out of loans, insurance, and formal credit systems,” Oyelade explained.
He also cited skills gaps, noting that traditional apprenticeship models rarely integrate modern technologies or standardised training.
“Digital skills, from online learning to smart construction tools, are now as important as manual expertise,” he said.
He said digital platforms could expand market access by allowing artisans to showcase services beyond their immediate locations.
“Online marketplaces democratise access, reduce middlemen and help artisans price competitively,” he noted.
He added that smart technologies could improve productivity and reduce waste across trades.
“Digital leak detection, smart sensors and online tutorials already improve quality and efficiency for plumbers, electricians, and painters,” he said.
On financial inclusion, Oyelade said mobile payments and e-wallets strengthen business resilience.
“Digital payments create records that banks can trust, helping artisans access equipment loans and grow sustainably,” he said.
He called for integrated training programmes combining technical and digital skills.
“Programmes like ITF’s SUPA are steps in the right direction, and platforms like Artisan Hub NG are ready to collaborate,” Oyelade said.
He urged government to prioritise affordable power, data and digital infrastructure under the National Digital Economy Policy.
“Lower connectivity costs will accelerate adoption and unlock innovation at the grassroots,” he said.
Oyelade also advocated cooperative-driven digital adoption to reduce individual costs.
“Through cooperatives, artisans can jointly access expensive ICT tools and negotiate better opportunities,” he said.
He concluded that digitalisation would transform artisans from informal survivors into sustainable entrepreneurs.
“Digital tools will make Nigeria’s invisible pillars visible, prosperous, and globally relevant.
“Artisans are encouraged to register free and upload profiles at www.theartisanhub.ng for visibility and opportunities,” he said. (NAN)