The Federal Government has commenced the training, certification, and job placement of 100,000 construction artisans across Nigeria under a new three-year initiative.
The programme, known as the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP), is being implemented in partnership with Polaris Capital Limited, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the project will be funded through federal budget allocations, private sector investment, and donor contributions. It will also feature a digital booking and verification platform to connect artisans directly with job opportunities while generating revenue to sustain the initiative beyond the MoU period.
Trades covered under the programme include bricklaying, plumbing, electrical installations, carpentry, painting, welding, tiling, screeding, POP, upholstery, and refrigeration/air conditioning, among others.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, who signed on behalf of the government, said the scheme is designed to modernise Nigeria’s construction workforce, bridge the skills gap in the housing sector, and create sustainable employment for young people, women, and persons with disabilities.
“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,” the statement read in part.
Polaris Capital Limited’s Chief Executive Officer, Kelvin Vihishima, described the partnership as a vital step in reducing unemployment and reforming the housing industry. He noted that proper training and certification would help curb quackery in construction and ensure the availability of skilled manpower nationwide.
The Ministry further disclosed that the programme will roll out in three phases: a 2025 pilot phase targeting 3,000 artisans across three states, a nationwide scale-up in 2026, and the establishment of Regional Centres of Excellence in 2027.
The pilot states and official commencement date are expected to be announced soon.