_Empowering youth, boosting construction skills, and creating jobs across Nigeria
By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
Abuja, September 3, 2025
The Federal Government on Tuesday, September 3, 2025, launched a nationwide programme to train, certify, and connect 100,000 construction artisans with job opportunities across Nigeria. The initiative, known as the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP), is being implemented in partnership with Polaris Capital Limited.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the programme was signed on Tuesday by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Polaris Capital, marking the official start of a three-year initiative aimed at bridging skills gaps in the housing and construction sector.
In a statement released by the Ministry, Permanent Secretary Dr. Shuaib Belgore, who signed the MoU on behalf of the government, emphasised the programme’s potential to strengthen technical capacity and create sustainable jobs for youth, women, and persons with disabilities. “This programme is designed to modernise the construction workforce, ensure inclusivity, and provide artisans with verifiable skills that meet industry standards,” he explained.
The training will cover trades including bricklaying, masonry, plumbing, electrical installations, carpentry, painting, welding, tiling, plastering, upholstery, as well as air conditioning and refrigeration. The programme also includes a digital booking and verification platform to link artisans directly to job opportunities while generating revenue to sustain the initiative beyond the MoU period.
Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Capital Limited, Kelvin Vihishima, described NASAP as a critical step in reducing unemployment and curbing unregulated practices in the construction industry. “Through structured training and certification, skilled manpower will be readily available nationwide, contributing to quality construction and economic growth,” he said.
NASAP will begin with a pilot scheme targeting 3,000 artisans for six months of intensive training across three states. A full nationwide rollout is expected in 2026, followed by the establishment of Regional Centres of Excellence in 2027.
The Ministry noted that the programme reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable urban development, skill acquisition, and employment generation. “By equipping artisans with modern skills and connecting them to opportunities, this initiative strengthens both the economy and the construction sector,” the Ministry stated.
