The Nigeria artisan training programme aims to certify 10,000 skilled workers annually to meet housing demand and improve quality in the construction sector

The Nigeria artisan training programme has been unveiled by the Federal Government as a strategic response to the country’s housing deficit and skills gap.

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Through the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP), 10,000 artisans will be trained and certified each year to supply competent professionals for the fast-expanding construction industry.

Announcing the programme during the 6th National Council on Skills held at the Presidential Villa, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, described NASAP as a visionary effort to elevate craftsmanship and improve the quality of housing delivery. Vice President Kashim Shettima chaired the event.

Dangiwa said the programme is not merely about training but about building a sustainable platform.

“NASAP is a digital craft hub, an Uber for artisans, that makes it easier to find verified professionals, just like booking a ride,” he explained.

He stressed that poor workmanship has significantly weakened both public and private construction projects.

“This is a national effort to professionalise artisanship, restore quality, and connect verified skills to real jobs,” he said.

According to him, trained artisans will be digitally profiled, certified, and listed on a national database accessible to developers and contractors.

Each artisan’s profile will show their location, trade, rating, and job history, making it easier to build trust and increase employment opportunities.

“We are building trust in skill,” Dangiwa added, noting that the training would run for six months and include classroom instruction, practical work, mentorship, and jobsite experience.

NASAP is a digital craft hub, an Uber for artisans, that makes it easier to find verified professionals, just like booking a ride.

The Nigeria artisan training programme will focus on ten construction trades in high demand.

These include masonry, plumbing, electrical installations, carpentry, and painting.

Others are welding, tiling, POP work, upholstery, and air conditioning repairs.

The programme will initially operate from existing centres in Kuje and Yaba, with plans for new facilities in Imo and Yobe.

The rollout will occur in phases. In 2025, the pilot phase will train 3,000 artisans in selected states.

A national rollout will follow in 2026, with Regional Centres of Excellence expected to be operational by 2027.

“This is more than training; it is a foundation for economic inclusion and industry standards,” Dangiwa said.

“With NASAP, we are creating a skilled workforce that meets both local and global expectations.”

The programme will run under a Public-Private Partnership model. While the Ministry will provide initial capital, it will also work with development partners such as the World Bank, African Development Bank, UNDP, GIZ, and JICA. ESG-focused investors will also be invited to support the initiative.

Following the presentation, the Council encouraged the Ministry to work closely with the National Board for Technical Education to align NASAP’s curriculum with national certification systems.

This move is intended to guarantee that trainees receive recognised qualifications upon completion.

Dangiwa stressed the urgency of raising housing standards in Nigeria. He noted that many housing projects suffer from poor finishes and structural weaknesses due to unqualified labour.

By creating a steady pipeline of skilled artisans, the government hopes to drive a shift toward quality and professionalism in the building sector.

“This will transform how we build in Nigeria,” said the Minister. “It’s time we made skilled work attractive, trusted, and rewarding.”

As Nigeria tackles its housing shortfall, the Nigeria artisan training programme stands out as a long-term solution aimed at human capital development and job creation.

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The initiative blends digital innovation with traditional craft, promising a better-built future for all.