100, 000 construction artisans in Nigeria have already received training, certification, and job placement thanks to the Federal Government.
As authorized by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday, Polaris Capital Limited will implement the training in partnership.
Federal funding for the three-year initiative will be matched by donor contributions, private sector investment, and donor contributions. Additionally, it includes a digital booking and verification system that will help the program stay in operation after the MoU period while connecting artisans directly to employment opportunities.
The Permanent Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore,  , and Vihishima, the Ministry’s representative, officially signed the MoU at the conclusion of the signing ceremony.
The development marked the start of a national initiative to close skills gaps in the housing and construction industries, according to a statement from the Ministry.
Belgore noted that the initiative aims to modernize Nigeria’s construction workforce.
He emphasized that the program would increase technical skills, foster employment for young people and artisans, and foster inclusivity by involving women, youth, and people with disabilities.
The program includes trades such as plumbing, electrical installations, carpentry, painting, welding, tiling, POP and screeding, upholstery, air conditioning, and refrigeration.
At the time of reporting, neither the pilot’s starting and destination have been specified.
The National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP) is being officially launched by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Polaris Capital Limited (FMLUD) on September 2, 2025.
The statement read in part as “NASAP is a nationwide intervention program designed to train, certify, and digitally connect 100, 000 artisans in priority construction trades to job opportunities across Nigeria.
READ MORE: FG Creating Enabling Environment To Generate Over 50 Million Jobs — BPE
Kelvin Vihishima, the CEO of Polaris Capital Limited, described the partnership as a crucial step in the direction of reviving the housing sector and reducing unemployment. He cited the need for training and certification to combat quackery in the construction industry and provide skilled labor all over the country.
The pact, which is based on accountability and long-term economic impact, is emphasized in the statement. It also reflects the Ministry’s commitment to developing skills, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable urban growth.
The National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP) pilot program was announced in June that the Federal Government would use the Ministry to do so in 2025.
In order to cover 10 highly sought-after construction trades, the pilot aimed to train 3, 000 artisans over the course of six months of intensive instruction spread out across three distinct states. The initiative aims to improve housing quality, improve the quality of housing, and address the lack of skilled labor in the construction industry. It also aims to provide practical, market-ready skills to Nigerian youth.
Source: Channels TV
Leave a Reply