The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has partnered with the Construction Artisan Training School (CATS) to train one million Nigerian youths in construction-related skills by 2036.
The agreement was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed at the NDE headquarters in Abuja.
Boosting skills and employment
The initiative, tagged Project One Million Construction Artisan Training Vision 2036, targets both new entrants into the workforce and existing artisans seeking to upgrade their skills.
According to CATS Project Lead, Olayemi Rotimi-Shodimu, the programme will be implemented across NDE training centres nationwide to address Nigeria’s construction skills shortage.
He noted that the project is fully funded by CATS and will focus on equipping participants with in-demand technical skills, improving their employability and entrepreneurial capacity.
Tackling unemployment and insecurity
Rotimi-Shodimu described the partnership as a major step toward reducing unemployment and boosting opportunities for young Nigerians.
He added that beyond job creation, the initiative is expected to help curb social challenges such as drug abuse and insecurity by engaging youths in productive ventures.
Commitment from NDE
In his remarks, the Director-General of NDE, Silas Agara, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to empowering youths through strategic partnerships.
He said the collaboration aligns with NDE’s mandate to promote employment and entrepreneurship, expressing confidence that the programme would transform lives across the country.
Agara emphasised that equipping youths with practical skills is key to driving economic growth and reducing Nigeria’s unemployment rate.
What it means
The initiative represents a large-scale effort to strengthen Nigeria’s construction workforce while expanding access to vocational training.
Stakeholders say the success of the programme could play a significant role in bridging the country’s skills gap and supporting long-term economic development.
