The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through the National Artisans Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP), an initiative designed to equip young Nigerians with technical skills and bridge the skilled labor gap across the housing and construction sectors.
Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Yusuf Abdullahi Ata disclosed this while receiving a delegation from the University of Uyo Centre for Skills Acquisition and Rural Development, led by its director, Ambassador Ernest Essien, in Abuja.
Ata said the Ministry is ready to collaborate with the Centre to train and equip artisans nationwide with relevant trade skills and resources that will make them employable and self-reliant. He added that the government intends to integrate the partnership into the Ministry’s 2026 budget to ensure the availability of funding and logistics support.
“We will continue to engage with your Centre and other institutions to explore areas of common interest. The Ministry will assist you as we factor your needs into the upcoming budget so that all necessary assistance and support can be provided to execute this project,” Ata said.
The Minister commended the University of Uyo Centre for its comprehensive skill development programmes, noting that they align with NASAP’s vision of producing a pool of certified artisans who can contribute effectively to housing and infrastructural projects across the country.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, noted that the collaboration complements the Ministry’s broader agenda of facilitating affordable housing delivery and sustainable urban development. He explained that both parties share a common goal to strengthen Nigeria’s skilled workforce through hands-on training, digital certification, and structured mentorship.
Earlier, Ambassador Essien said the visit was aimed at establishing a working partnership with the Ministry to expand skill acquisition and job creation opportunities, particularly in Akwa Ibom State and across the federation. He applauded the Federal Government’s efforts to boost employment through the training and certification of artisans in various trades, including masonry, plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry.
“The Ministry’s focus on housing and infrastructure expansion requires a skilled and reliable workforce. Our goal is to bridge that gap by preparing tertiary artisan students who are certified and ready to contribute to national development,” Essien said.
He further praised the government’s plan to train, certify, and integrate 10,000 construction artisans annually over a three-year period, describing it as a practical step toward addressing unemployment and promoting youth inclusion in the construction sector.
