The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Polaris Capital Limited have formalised a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to train 100,000 artisans in Nigeria through the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP).
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, stated that the Ministry, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President, is set to embark on the transformative initiative to bridge the nation’s artisan skills gap and modernise the construction workforce.
According to Belgore, NASAP is a nationwide intervention programme designed to train, certify, and digitally connect artisans in priority construction trades and areas of work to job opportunities across Nigeria.
He declared: ‘Today’s signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Polaris Capital Limited marks a significant milestone in the launch of the National Programme. The objectives include strengthening the technical capacity in the housing and construction sector, creating sustainable employment pathways for Nigerian youth and artisans.”
Other objectives, according to the permanent secretary, include promoting inclusivity by ensuring participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities; as well as leveraging technology through a national booking and verification system for artisans.
He explained that the initiative is structured around a three-year programme with funding from federal budget allocations, private sector participation, and donor contributions.
Dr. Belgore further added that the digital platform would generate revenue to ensure sustainability of the programme beyond the MoU period, expressing joy in the partnership, which is aimed at delivering affordable housing for Nigerians across the country.
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Capital Limited, Kelvin Vihishima, described the signing of the MoU as a positive initiative aimed at reducing the skills gap in the Nigerian economy.
“Skills are the bedrock and cornerstone of every economy,” adding that “the initiative would reduce unemployment and make skills available at the national level.”
He said that the scope of the MoU is to train, certify, and onboard artisans, reduce quackery, and reform the housing industry, emphasising the ministry’s initiative and appreciating the expertise involved in its delivery.
In a remark, the Director of the Federal Public Asset Maintenance (FPAM) Department, Arc. Ibechile Egwudale, said the event underscores the ministry’s commitment to skills development, job creation, and sustainable urban growth, all grounded in accountability, inclusivity, and long-term economic impact.
