The Federal Government has launched the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP) to train and certify 10,000 artisans annually, targeting Nigeria’s widening housing and construction skills gap.
Unveiled by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, at the 6th National Council on Skills meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja, the initiative aims to professionalise artisanship, improve construction quality, and create sustainable jobs across the country.
Dangiwa described NASAP as a “digital craft hub” and “Uber for artisans,” integrating hands-on training with digital innovation. Through a national database, artisans will be profiled based on their skills, location, ratings, and work history, boosting credibility, accessibility, and client trust.
The six-month programme will focus on 10 high-demand trades such as plumbing, electrical installation, carpentry, air conditioning repair, and more. Initial training will begin in Kuje (FCT) and Yaba (Lagos), with additional centres planned in Imo and Yobe States.
The phased rollout begins in 2025 with 3,000 artisans, expands nationwide in 2026, and will see the establishment of regional Centres of Excellence by 2027.
NASAP will operate under a Public-Private Partnership model with backing from global development partners.
This initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal to equip Nigeria’s workforce with relevant skills, enhance youth employment, and boost economic productivity in the informal sector.
