The Federal Government has unveiled plans to commence the pilot phase of the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP), a flagship intervention designed to equip Nigerian youth with market-ready skills in key construction trades. The initial rollout, scheduled for 2025, will train 3,000 artisans over a six-month period across three yet-to-be-announced states.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, aims to address Nigeria’s growing shortage of skilled construction workers, improve housing quality, and boost youth employment. The programme was formally presented by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development at the 6th National Council on Skills (NCS) meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja and chaired by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima.
According to the Minister, NASAP is not just another skills scheme but a strategic response to declining craftsmanship and poor workmanship, which have long compromised quality and safety across the country’s housing projects. “We are committed to restoring quality to the construction sector by connecting Nigerian youth to skills that lead directly to jobs,” he said.
The pilot phase will focus on 10 high-demand construction trades: bricklaying, plumbing, electrical installations, carpentry, painting, welding, tiling, POP/screeding, upholstery, and air conditioning/refrigeration. Training will combine classroom instruction, hands-on practicals, on-site exposure, and mentoring.
Two Building Craft Training Schools—located in Kuje and Yaba—will host the training. Additional centres in Imo and Yobe States are also in development to expand capacity and reach more artisans.
A key innovation under NASAP is the introduction of “Craft-Hub,” a digital platform designed to link certified artisans with employers, developers, and contractors. The platform is expected to function like a ride-hailing service, enabling users to locate and hire verified tradespeople quickly and efficiently.
NASAP will roll out in three phases: the pilot in 2025, a nationwide scale-up in 2026, and the establishment of Regional Centres of Excellence in 2027. The programme will be funded through a public-private partnership (PPP) framework, with initial support from the Ministry and anticipated collaboration from development partners including the World Bank, African Development Bank, UNDP, GIZ, and JICA.
Vice President Shettima described the initiative as both “timely and visionary,” stating that effective implementation could play a critical role in bridging Nigeria’s persistent skills gap in the construction industry.
The National Council on Skills has advised the Ministry to align NASAP’s curriculum with national certification standards by working closely with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). This alignment is expected to ensure the long-term credibility and employability of NASAP graduates.
With a strong emphasis on job creation, skills recognition, and improved housing standards, NASAP signals a new chapter in Nigeria’s efforts to professionalize artisan work and create meaningful pathways to employment for its young population.
