The Federal Government has signed a strategic partnership with Polaris Capital Limited to train, certify, and connect 100,000 construction artisans to job opportunities nationwide.
The agreement, sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding on September 2, 2025, marks the official launch of the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP). The initiative is designed to bridge Nigeria’s construction skills gap, modernize the housing sector, and create sustainable jobs.
According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the three-year programme will be funded through federal allocations, private sector investments, and donor contributions. A digital booking and verification platform will also be deployed to connect artisans directly with employers, ensure accountability, and generate revenue for sustainability.
Speaking at the signing, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary said the programme demonstrates the government’s commitment to inclusivity and workforce modernization. He explained that NASAP is designed to train, certify, and digitally connect artisans in high-demand trades to job opportunities across the country. The programme, he added, will strengthen technical capacity, create sustainable employment for young people and artisans, and promote inclusivity by engaging women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
The Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Capital Limited described the collaboration as critical for reforming Nigeria’s housing sector and addressing unemployment. He noted that structured training and certification will help curb quackery in construction, improve housing delivery, and expand skilled manpower nationwide.
NASAP will be implemented in three phases, beginning with a pilot in 2025 to train 3,000 artisans across three states. Training will cover 10 priority trades, including bricklaying, plumbing, electrical works, carpentry, painting, welding, tiling, POP and screeding, upholstery, and air conditioning/refrigeration.
The programme aims to professionalize artisanship, raise construction standards, and provide young people and low-income earners with market-ready technical skills.
For micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in construction, real estate, and allied industries, the initiative offers access to a pipeline of certified artisans capable of delivering quality work. By reducing risks of poor workmanship and improving competitiveness, the programme is also expected to strengthen the wider construction sector, a major employer across Africa.
Stakeholders believe the model could serve as a blueprint for artisan workforce development in other countries. The MoU was officially signed by representatives of the Ministry and Polaris Capital Limited, signaling the beginning of what is expected to be a transformative intervention for Nigeria’s labour market and housing industry.
