WorldStage Newsonline– The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Polaris Capital Ltd. on the implementation of the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP)
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore, said this at the signing of the MoU in Abuja.
According to Belgore, NASAP is a nationwide intervention programme designed to train, certify, and digitally connect 100,000 artisans in priority construction trades and job opportunities across Nigeria.
He said the ministry, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu is set to embark on the transformative initiative to bridge the nation’s artisan skills gap and modernise the construction workforce.
“Today’s signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Polaris Capital Ltd. marks a milestone in the launch of the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP).
“Some of the objectives of the programme include: strengthening the technical capacity in the housing and construction sector and creating sustainable employment pathways for Nigerian youth and artisans.
“Others 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.”
Belgore explained that the initiative was structured around a three-year programme with funding from federal budget allocations, private sector participation, and donor contributions.
He added that the digital platform would generate revenue to ensure sustainability of the programme beyond the MoU period.
The perm sec, who expressed joy over the partnership, said it also aims to deliver affordable housing for Nigerians across the country.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of the Polaris Capital Ltd., Kelvin Vihishima, described the signing of the MoU as a positive initiative aimed at reducing the skills gap in the Nigerian economy.
Vihishima said that skills remains the bedrock and corner stone of every economy, noting that the initiative would reduce unemployment and make skills available at the national level.
According to him, the scope of the MoU is to train, certify and on-board the artisans, thereby reducing quackery, and reforming the housing industry.
Vihishima appreciated the Ministry for granting the noble initiative and also appreciated the expertise that would work for its delivery.
Earlier, Ibechile Egwudale, the Director, Federal Public Asset Maintenance (FPAM) Department, said the MoU was in line with the Ministry’s commitment to skills development, job creation, and sustainable urban growth anchored on accountability, inclusivity and long-term economic impact.
