The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a training, certification, and job placement initiative for 100,000 construction artisans across the country. This program is being implemented in partnership with Polaris Capital Limited, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on September 2, 2025. The three-year initiative will be funded through a combination of federal budget allocations, private sector investment, and donor contributions.
The National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP) aims to bridge the skills gap in the housing and construction sector by providing training and certification to artisans in priority construction trades. The program will include a digital booking and verification platform that connects artisans directly to job opportunities, generating revenue to sustain the program beyond the initial three-year period.
According to the Permanent Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, the initiative is designed to modernize Nigeria’s construction workforce by strengthening technical capacity, creating sustainable employment for young people and artisans, and promoting inclusivity by engaging women, youth, and persons with disabilities. The program will cover a range of trades, including bricklaying, masonry, plumbing, electrical installations, carpentry, and air conditioning.
The partnership between the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Polaris Capital Limited reflects the Ministry’s commitment to skills development, job creation, and sustainable urban growth. The CEO of Polaris Capital Limited, Kelvin Vihishima, described the partnership as a vital step toward reducing unemployment and reforming the housing industry.
The NASAP program is scheduled to roll out in three phases, starting with a pilot program in 2025 that will target 3,000 artisans for six months of intensive training across three selected states. The program will then be scaled up nationwide in 2026, followed by the creation of Regional Centres of Excellence in 2027. The initiative is expected to professionalize artisanship, bridge the construction skills gap, and improve building standards nationwide.
The launch of the NASAP program marks a significant step towards addressing the shortage of skilled labor in the construction sector and promoting sustainable urban growth in Nigeria. As the program rolls out, it is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s housing and construction industry, creating job opportunities and improving the quality of life for Nigerian citizens.
