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.

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The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched a nationwide financial inclusion training program aimed at equipping 10 million Nigerians with essential financial literacy, investment knowledge, and digital skills.

The initiative was flagged off by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The program is implemented through the Presidential Committee on Economic & Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), chaired by VP Shettima. Its primary goal is to empower youths and women, ensuring they are prepared to thrive in Nigeria’s rapidly advancing digital economy.

As part of the rollout, the FG signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with six leading professional bodies: the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), National Institute of Credit Administration (NICA), Chartered Risk Management Institute (CRMI), and the Nigeria Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NIIE). These organizations will provide technical expertise, mentorship, and certification pathways to strengthen Nigeria’s financial and enterprise workforce.

Speaking at the event, VP Shettima emphasized that the initiative is more than a formal agreement. He described it as a strategic national investment in human and institutional capacity, the foundation upon which inclusive economic growth must rest.

He further noted that financial inclusion is not achieved through access alone, but through competence, trust, and ethical capacity. “A one-trillion-dollar economy cannot be built on weak skills or disconnected professional ecosystems,” the Vice President said.

The MoU establishes a framework for joint training programs, policy dialogue, digital skills development, and professional standards, aligning market practices with national inclusion goals.

VP Shettima highlighted the importance of financial literacy among accountants, credit administrators, bankers, risk professionals, and innovators, stressing that without such skills, inclusion remains merely a slogan.

The training program prioritizes women and youth, ensuring Nigeria’s demographic dividend translates into economic growth. VP Shettima said the collaboration ensures young people are equipped with the skills and ethical grounding required for a fast-evolving digital economy.

The President of ICAN, Mallam Haruna Nma Yahaya, commended the FG for its bold economic reforms and pledged the professional body’s full support for the success of the initiative. Technical partners, including WAWU Africa, confirmed their readiness to deliver the digital platform and infrastructure necessary for effective nationwide training.

Dr Nurudeen Abubakar Zauro, Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, stated that exclusion is not only due to lack of access but also limited skills, weak institutional capacity, and insufficient professional support.

Financial inclusion is fully realized when people and institutions are equipped to use financial infrastructure responsibly and productively.

The flag-off event marked the formal start of the program, which will train 10 million Nigerians across the country, with special focus on empowering women and youth to participate actively in Nigeria’s growing economy.

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He made this known while receiving a delegation from the University of Uyo Centre for Skills Acquisition and Rural Development, led by its Director, Ambassador Ernest Essien, in Abuja.

Ata said the Ministry is ready to partner with the Centre to train and equip Nigerians with practical skills that will help bridge the country’s labour gap.

“We will continue to collaborate with your Centre to identify areas of common interest,” he said. “The Ministry will also factor your needs into our 2026 budget to ensure necessary support for this project.”

The Minister commended the Centre for its comprehensive skills acquisition programs, which he noted align with NASAP’s objectives of producing skilled artisans to strengthen the labour market.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, described the partnership as a step toward achieving the Ministry’s vision of providing mass and affordable housing and supporting infrastructure development nationwide.

Earlier, Ambassador Ernest Essien said the visit aimed to seek collaboration with the Ministry to enhance skill acquisition and job creation, particularly in Akwa Ibom State. He praised the Ministry for training Nigerians in various trades and helping them compete effectively in the job market.

“The Ministry’s housing and infrastructure goals require a skilled and reliable workforce,” he said.

“We plan to contribute by producing certified tertiary-level artisan graduates ready to support national projects.”

Essien also commended the Ministry’s plan to train, certify, and provide jobs for 10,000 construction artisans annually over the next three years.

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In a bold move to curb youth unemployment and stimulate economic growth, the Bank of Industry (BOI) has announced a N2 billion entrepreneurship initiative tailored exclusively for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) across Nigeria.

Dubbed the “N2bn BOI–NYSC Entrepreneurship Programme,” the scheme offers serving corps members access to loans of up to N5 million each at an attractive single-digit interest rate of 9% per annum. Beneficiaries will enjoy flexible repayment terms spanning three years, including a grace period of three months during which both principal and interest payments are deferred.

At the official launch event held in Abuja on Wednesday, Shekarau Omar, Executive Director for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) at BOI, described the initiative as a strategic intervention to transition young Nigerians from job-seekers to job creators.

Representing BOI’s Managing Director, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Omar highlighted the enduring partnership between BOI and NYSC, which builds upon previous successes such as the Graduate Entrepreneurship Fund (GEF). Launched in 2015, the GEF has so far trained over 3,000 graduates, financed 609 startups, and disbursed more than N1 billion in loans.

“These figures are far more than statistics; they represent thriving poultry farms, fashion houses, salons, technology startups, and creative studios nurtured by young entrepreneurs,” Omar said. “The core takeaway is unmistakable: targeted capacity building combined with affordable financing and mentorship drives repayment, employment, and growth.”

Omar also praised the NYSC’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) department for its pivotal role in equipping corps members with practical skills and entrepreneurial acumen, noting that the new loan programme is designed to complement SAED’s efforts.

“To all corps members, your service year is a launchpad, not a waiting room,” Omar advised. “Start small, plan meticulously, and maintain discipline in cash flow and compliance. With creativity and perseverance, you can become the next generation of entrepreneurs who will shape Nigeria’s economic future.”

The initiative is poised to provide critical financial support to thousands of young Nigerians, enabling them to harness their potential and contribute meaningfully to national development.

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In a decisive push to tackle Nigeria’s persistent housing deficit, particularly among young citizens, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Yusuf Atah, has underscored the critical role of youth empowerment within the nation’s housing sector. Speaking in a statement released by his aide, Seyi Olorunsola, Atah emphasized that deepening youth participation in homeownership is not only vital for social stability but also for fostering inclusive economic growth.

Atah highlighted the government’s renewed commitment through the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, a flagship initiative under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration aimed at delivering 50,000 affordable housing units nationwide in its initial phase. This ambitious programme integrates the development of Renewed Hope Cities and Renewed Hope Estates with robust public-private partnerships to expand affordable housing access across Nigeria.

“The Renewed Hope Programme represents a bold stride towards addressing the housing shortfall,” Atah stated. “It also serves as a catalyst for youth inclusion by providing multiple flexible pathways to homeownership.” These pathways include single-digit interest mortgage loans via the National Housing Fund (NHF), rent-to-own schemes facilitated by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), and accessible installment payment options.

The Minister recalled that in February 2024, President Tinubu inaugurated a 3,112-unit Renewed Hope City in Karsana, Abuja, marking a milestone in the government’s housing agenda. Furthermore, the Ministry recently broke ground on 2,000 new units across eight states spanning the southeast, south-south, southwest, and north-central regions.

To streamline access, the Ministry has launched an online portal designed to simplify registration, property selection, and eligibility verification, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles that often delay housing delivery.

The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has also advanced the programme by opening bids for projects across 17 states, with 1,250 housing units currently under construction in four states. These projects are projected to generate approximately 31,250 direct and indirect jobs across construction, supply chains, and related industries, reinforcing the initiative’s role as an economic stimulus.

Atah acknowledged the critical link between housing and social outcomes: “Homeownership transcends the mere acquisition of property, it anchors dignity, responsibility, and social stability. By empowering youth to become homeowners, we can mitigate the societal challenges linked to idleness and disenfranchisement.”

Despite these strides, the Minister conceded that more must be done to ensure marginalized groups, especially the youth, are fully integrated into housing solutions. To this end, he advocates for dedicated quotas and preferential financing terms such as reduced down payments and extended repayment periods—tailored specifically for young Nigerians.

“The Renewed Hope Programme has set Nigeria on a promising path. However, its success hinges on embedding the aspirations and participation of youth at its core. I pledge that under my stewardship, young Nigerians will no longer be mere bystanders, but active beneficiaries and custodians of our nation’s housing future,” Atah affirmed.

As Nigeria grapples with rapid urbanization and a burgeoning youth population, such targeted interventions could prove pivotal in closing the housing gap while empowering the next generation to build a more stable and prosperous future.

The post Minister Advocates Youth Empowerment to Bridge Nigeria’s Housing Gap appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Federal Government has rolled out a revised technical-education curriculum, introducing 26 trade courses to strengthen skills training and align Nigerian technical schools with global standards.

Major Reforms

According to a statement from the Ministry of Education, signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Ben Goong, the reforms will take effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.

• All Federal Science and Technical Colleges will be rebranded as Federal Technical Colleges.

• Each school must offer between six and ten trade options.

• Students will take nine to ten subjects, including one core trade, five to six general subjects, two to three trade-related subjects, and one elective.

• A new subject, Citizenship and Heritage Studies, has been introduced alongside core science and language courses.

The policy was jointly announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, and the Minister of State, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad.

List of Approved Trades

1. Brick laying, block laying and concreting

2. Woodwork, carpentry and joinery

3. Plumbing and pipe fitting

4. Computer hardware & GSM repair and maintenance

5. Refrigeration & air-conditioning works

6. Mechanised agriculture (mechanisation/smart agriculture)

7. Autobody works

8. Catering craft practice

9. Solar PV installation and maintenance

10. Fashion design and garment making

11. Livestock farming/animal husbandry

12. Fish farming (aquaculture)

13. Motorcycle & tricycle repairs

14. Painting, decoration and finishes (interior design)

15. Welding & fabrication

16. Auto-electrical wiring

17. Automobile mechanics

18. Beauty therapy & cosmetology

19. Creative media (digital media production/operations)

20. Electronic systems maintenance craft

21. Furniture making & upholstery

22. Networking & system security (including satellite TV antenna installation and maintenance)

23. Social media content creation and management

24. Tiling & cladding (decorative stonework/floor-cover installation)

25. Automobile CNG conversion and maintenance

26. Leather works

Why It Matters

The Ministry explained that the restructuring will reduce academic overload, enhance trade competence, and ensure that Nigerian youths acquire skills that meet current and emerging industry demands in construction, energy, agriculture, automotive, creative media, and digital services.

“The reform is designed to build strong trade competencies, align with international best practices, and prepare young Nigerians for the jobs of the future,” the statement added.

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As the first mortgage bank in the country to adopt Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, AG Mortgage Bank is leading with purpose. Its strategy is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). This bold approach was recently recognized when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) approved the bank’s 2024 financials.

The bank’s success is built on strong values. These include Accountability, Godliness, Integrity, Teamwork, Respect, Innovation, and Professionalism known internally as AGITRIP.

These values guide the bank’s decisions and operations. They also support its commitment to transparency and corporate governance. This has helped the bank gain trust and loyalty from the Nigerian public.

AG Mortgage Bank believes in investing in people. It recently trained over 400 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members. These sessions focused on financial literacy and environmental awareness.

This training supports SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The goal is to empower young Nigerians with practical skills for the future.

In addition, the bank joined hands with TEXEM UK. Together, they hosted a special session in Lagos for students from seven government secondary schools. The theme was “Transforming Nigeria Through Financial Inclusion.” Students received guidance on careers, education, and financial planning. This initiative supports SDG 4 (Quality Education).

Looking ahead, the bank plans to extend this outreach to 15 more schools in the third quarter of 2025.

AG Mortgage Bank is also helping women become financially independent. Through its ES-TIW programme Empowering Sustainable Transformation for Impactful Women the bank is taking action to support SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Recently, the bank trained women from the Police Women Association in Lagos. They learned about digital tools, financial planning, and how to access microloans. The initiative is part of a larger mission to reach 500,000 women across Nigeria. So far, over 5,000 women have been trained and supported.

These efforts help women build stable businesses and stronger communities.

AG Mortgage Bank plays a key role in shaping Nigeria’s housing future. The bank was a proud sponsor of the Africa International Housing Show. This event brings together leaders and experts to discuss new ideas and better housing policies.

During the event, the bank’s CEO, Ngozi Anyogu, spoke on the topic “From Conversation to Commitment.” The focus was on making real changes in the housing sector. This work supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

In a bold move, the bank launched Nigeria’s first Green Mortgage. This product encourages eco-friendly housing projects. It also helps more Nigerians own homes while protecting the environment.

The bank’s dedication to ESG and sustainability has not gone unnoticed. Recently, AG Mortgage Bank received the Rotary Club Award for Humanitarian Services. This award reflects the bank’s deep impact and commitment to social responsibility.

AG Mortgage Bank is more than a mortgage provider. It is a trusted partner in nation-building. Through its commitment to ESG values, education, financial inclusion, and green housing, the bank is shaping a stronger and more sustainable future for Nigeria.

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