The Federal Government has unveiled plans to develop a digital platform designed to connect trained artisans with job opportunities in the construction industry. Dubbed “Uber for Artisans,” the initiative will function as an online marketplace, making skilled workers more accessible while improving efficiency in service delivery.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, disclosed the plan while hosting the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, Adamson Ayinde, and his team at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. According to a statement on the ministry’s website, the platform aims to boost artisans’ earning potential while ensuring individuals and contractors have easy access to verified professionals for their construction needs.
“The platform will serve as an online marketplace where trained and certified artisans can connect with potential customers,” the statement read, adding that it will provide a structured system for artisans to showcase their skills and secure consistent job opportunities.
The initiative aligns with the government’s broader National Artisan Skill Acquisition Program (NASA), which was developed to address the shortage of skilled workers in the construction sector and create sustainable livelihoods for young Nigerians. Set to launch within the year, NASA will train youths in plumbing, electrical work, masonry, carpentry, and other essential construction skills.
As part of the program, the ministry is working to complete and operationalize vocational training centers in Abuja, Lagos, and Imo states, with budget allocations included in the 2025 proposal. These centers will serve as hubs for hands-on training, equipping artisans with industry-relevant skills and certifications.
Dangiwa further revealed that some of these institutions would undergo rehabilitation in the coming months to enhance capacity-building efforts. To fast-track implementation, a committee will be established within three months to develop a training framework and engage key stakeholders, including associations in the building industry.
By leveraging technology and structured training, the Federal Government aims to close the skills gap in Nigeria’s construction industry while empowering artisans with better job prospects and financial stability.
