The Federal Government is set to train and certify 10,000 artisans each year under the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP), an initiative aimed at building a steady pool of skilled workers to meet the rising demand in Nigeria’s housing sector.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, unveiled the programme during the 6th National Council on Skills meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Describing NASAP as a “digital craft hub” and “an Uber for artisans,” Dangiwa said the programme is designed to connect verified, trained construction workers with developers, contractors, and the general public, using a national digital platform.

“Poor workmanship is undermining both quality and safety in our construction industry,” Dangiwa said. “NASAP goes beyond training—it’s a national strategy to professionalize artisanal work, improve housing standards, and create jobs.”

The six-month intensive training will combine classroom instruction, hands-on practicals, mentorship, and on-site exposure. It will focus on 10 high-demand construction trades: bricklaying, plumbing, electrical installation, carpentry, painting, welding, tiling, POP/screeding, upholstery, and refrigeration/air conditioning.

Existing training centers in Kuje and Yaba will be used, with new facilities planned in Imo and Yobe States. The initiative will launch in phases:

2025 – Pilot in select states (3,000 artisans)

2026 – Nationwide expansion

2027 – Establishment of Regional Centres of Excellence

NASAP will run on a Public-Private Partnership model, with initial funding from the Ministry and additional support from partners such as the World Bank, AFDB, UNDP, GIZ, JICA, and ESG-focused private investors.

To ensure alignment with national standards, the Council advised close collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education on curriculum development and certification frameworks.

With strong stakeholder support and inter-agency collaboration, NASAP is expected to raise construction quality, enhance job creation, and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign artisans.