Lagos, Partner Banks On Artisans, Tradesmen Loans

The Lagos State Government says it is currently discussing with some banks on how to make loans available to tradesmen and artisans at reasonable rates.

Mr Oluseye Oladejo, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce and Industry, said this in Ikeja, while announcing the government’s plans for this year’s Artisans and Tradesmen’s Week.

Reports said that the theme of the week-long celebration which commenced on Friday is “Developing the Informal Sector: Growing the Economy’’.

Oladejo said that the government was pursuing the partnership to support “this category of entrepreneurs with the much needed finance to expand and grow their businesses”.

He said that the government was also discussing with some insurance firms on how to mitigate their business risks, reiterating that artisans and tradesmen are central to the growth of the state’s economy

Oladejo stressed that the government placed a lot of emphasis on the success of about one million artisans in the state and was formulating policies to cater to their needs.

He also said that the government was planning to initiate the organisation of the artisans into an formal grouping to enable it have easy access to them, while channelling its programmes for the development of their trades via the group.

Besides, Oladejo said that empowerment issues, which would enable traders and artisans to operate and develop their skills, were also currently being addressed.

“You will agree with me that everyday we engage their services as tailors, hairdressers, carpenters, plumbers, bricklayers, and welders to mention but a few,’’ he said, adding : “They are important to our state.’’

Responding, Mr Bola Sanusi, the President of the Tradesmen and Artisans Association, thanked the state government for its support.

He particularly noted that the government‘s micro-finance scheme for artisans had been quite beneficial to the members of his association.