The Federal Government has unveiled plans to train 3,000 artisans in a six-month pilot phase of the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP), aimed at closing the skills gap in Nigeria’s construction sector.
The initiative, set to begin this year, will focus on 10 high-demand construction trades across three selected states, as part of efforts to professionalize artisanship and raise building standards nationwide.
“This is not just another training scheme,” said the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa. “It is a national drive to restore quality, promote safety, and connect skills directly to employment opportunities.”
According to the minister, NASAP will roll out in three phases: a 2025 pilot targeting 3,000 artisans, a nationwide scale-up in 2026, and the establishment of Regional Centres of Excellence in 2027.
Dangiwa emphasized that the lack of skilled artisans has contributed to poor workmanship, affecting both public and private housing projects. He noted that the programme is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda and is designed to deliver market-ready skills to Nigerian youth.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chaired the 6th National Council on Skills where the programme was formally presented, hailed the project as “timely and visionary.” He said its implementation could make a significant impact in improving job readiness and construction quality across the country.
The specific pilot states and commencement date are expected to be announced soon.
