FG, Polaris Capital to Train 100,000 Construction Artisans under New National Skills Programme
The Federal Government has signed a strategic partnership with Polaris Capital Limited to train, certify, and place 100,000 construction artisans in jobs nationwide, in a move aimed at addressing Nigeria’s persistent skills shortage in the housing and construction sector.
The agreement was formalised on September 2, 2025, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Polaris Capital Limited, according to a statement released by the ministry.
Nationwide Artisan Skills Programme
The National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP) is designed as a three-year intervention to modernise Nigeria’s construction workforce. The initiative will provide technical training across high-demand trades, professional certification, and access to job opportunities through a digital platform.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, said the programme will “strengthen technical capacity, create sustainable employment for young people and artisans, and promote inclusivity by engaging women, youth, and persons with disabilities.”
The federal government confirmed that the initiative will be jointly funded through budgetary allocations, private sector investment, and donor contributions.
Tackling Unemployment and Quackery
Kelvin Vihishima, Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Capital Limited, emphasised that the partnership is a deliberate step to reduce unemployment and curb unprofessional practices in the construction industry. He noted that by offering standardised training and certification, NASAP will make qualified manpower more accessible to developers and contractors across the country.
The digital verification and booking system to be launched alongside NASAP will also connect artisans directly with employers, while providing a revenue stream to sustain the programme beyond the MoU period.
Phased Rollout
The government previously announced in June 2025 that the programme would begin with a pilot phase targeting 3,000 artisans across three states. The pilot, scheduled for six months, will cover 10 priority trades including bricklaying, masonry, plumbing, electrical works, carpentry, painting, welding, tiling, upholstery, and air conditioning.
According to the ministry, NASAP will be implemented in three phases: the pilot programme in 2025, a nationwide expansion in 2026, and the establishment of Regional Centres of Excellence in 2027 to consolidate training capacity.
Outlook
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development stated that the partnership reflects government’s broader commitment to skills development, sustainable job creation, and urban growth. If successful, NASAP could set new benchmarks for construction workforce development in Nigeria, improving both housing quality and industry standards over the long term.
