The Lagos State House of Assembly has begun moves to regulate the activities of artisans and craftsmen across the state with the consideration of a bill to establish the Lagos State Artisans and Craftsmen Regulatory Board. TravelGuides & Travelogues
The bill, titled “Lagos State Artisans and Craftsmen Regulatory Board Bill 2025”, seeks to provide a legal framework for the registration, training, certification and regulation of all artisans and craftsmen operating in the state.
Presenting the bill for second reading during plenary, Majority Leader, Hon. Noheem Adams, said the legislation aims to bring dignity, order and accountability to the informal sector while protecting consumers from unqualified practitioners.
“Over 70 per cent of our informal economy is driven by the sweat, skill and enterprise of artisans and craftsmen. Yet, for too long, this critical sector has operated without structure, standards and protection.
“This bill recognises a simple truth: to regulate our artisans and craftsmen is to dignify them, to protect our people, and to strengthen the very foundation of our economy, ” Adams said.
According to Adams, the proposed board will be responsible for:
Registration and Certification: Maintaining a comprehensive register of qualified artisans to curb quackery and enable consumers to verify practitioners.
Training and Standards: Coordinating and standardising training to ensure competence and safety.
Consumer Protection: Receiving public complaints and taking action on disputes.
Financial Support: Providing loans, linking registered members to government empowerment programmes, soft loans, insurance and skills-upgrading initiatives.
“For the first time, the government will have reliable data on the size, location and needs of our artisans,” he said.
He added that formal registration would also aid law enforcement by creating a verifiable database to track practitioners and reduce crime.
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The bill also includes oversight provisions in Section 19, giving the governor power to issue directions to the board.
During debate, lawmakers commended the bill but called for amendments on issues including environmental safety, board composition, certification, registration fees and age requirements.
Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, (Oshodi/Isolo 1), said proper licensing would reduce client-artisan disputes and help the public identify qualified professionals. He urged speedy passage of the bill.
Hon. Adebola Shabi raised concerns about environmental hazards, especially from welding, and suggested the Lagos State Safety Commission and Ministry of Environment be represented on the board.
Hon. Lukmon Olumoh, (Ajeromi 1), sought clarification on possible overlap with the Lagos State Vocational Education Board, LASVEB.
Hon. Femi Saheed, (Kosofe 2), questioned the academic qualifications proposed for the board chairman, while Hon. Kehinde Joseph, ( Alimosho 1), suggested lowering the registration age from 18 to 16 years and reviewing fees to avoid burdening artisans.
Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, commended the lawmakers, describing the bill as important for security, economic growth, employment and IGR.
He said: “Creating a comprehensive database of artisans will help government identify and monitor people operating in the sector, thereby improving security.”
He urged that informal “over-the-counter” artisans be brought into the formal system and advised that any financial support be properly structured. The Speaker also advocated for leveraging technology and international partnerships with countries like China and Taiwan to upgrade artisans’ skills.
Following debate, the bill was committed to the House Committee on Commerce and Industry for further scrutiny.
