FG To Train 100,000 Artisans In Construction Skills
The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Polaris Capital Limited to kick-start the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP).
NASAP is a nationwide intervention programme designed to train, certify, and digitally connect 100,000 artisans in priority construction trades to job opportunities across Nigeria.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Permanent Secretary Dr. Shuaib Belgore said that the initiative was to bridge the nation’s artisan skills gap, modernize the construction workforce, and help to deliver affordable housing for Nigerians.
He described the agreement as a milestone for the implementation of the NASAP, whose objectives include strengthening the technical capacity in the housing and construction sector, creating sustainable employment pathways for Nigerian youth and artisans, ensuring participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities, and leveraging technology through a national booking and verification system for artisans.
According to the minister, the initiative is structured around a three-year programme with funding from federal budget allocations, private sector participation, and donor contributions.
Belgore added that the digital platform would generate revenue to ensure sustainability of the programme beyond the MoU period.
On their part, the CEO of Polaris Capital Limited, Kelvin Vihishima, described the signing of the MoU as a positive initiative aimed at reducing the skills gap in the Nigerian construction industry, thereby reducing unemployment.
According to him, the full implementation of the MoU will reduce quackery and ensure reform of the housing industry.
