The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Dangiwa, has underscored the Federal Government’s dedication to enhancing Nigeria’s skilled construction workforce, emphasizing that artisans are fundamental to housing provision, economic expansion, and national progress.
Speaking at the 6th Construction Artisans Awards (CAA 2026) in Abuja, Dangiwa highlighted the event’s evolution into a significant national platform for elevating standards within the construction industry through rigorous competency evaluations, structured certification pathways, and continuous skill enhancement.
He stated, “This occasion honors the skilled men and women who are the literal builders of Nigeria, fostering professionalism, certification, and a sense of pride in technical expertise.”
Dangiwa elaborated that the two-day event includes practical assessments, competitive challenges, advanced training workshops, and evaluations designed to showcase the discipline, ingenuity, and professional conduct of the participants.
Under the framework of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Dangiwa pointed out that housing is now recognized not just as a social amenity but as a potent economic driver capable of generating employment, stimulating related industries, and broadening economic opportunities.
He drew attention to a prevailing scarcity of certified construction artisans, asserting that the caliber of buildings directly correlates with the proficiency of the available workforce. “Training must translate into employment, certification must establish credibility, and acquired skills must result in increased income,” he emphasized.
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“The construction industry stands as one of Nigeria’s largest employers. Each new housing unit built generates opportunities for masons, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, welders, tilers, painters, and a host of other trades. However, our focus must shift from mere labor to skilled labor,” Dangiwa added.
He further explained that the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP) is designed to train artisans, facilitate their certification to national competency standards, and connect them with job prospects through a dedicated digital marketplace and database.
The Minister commended Family Homes Funds Limited for effectively utilizing development partnerships to provide nationwide training for construction artisans, directly linking skill development to housing projects while simultaneously improving both quality and livelihoods.
Dangiwa also underscored the critical role of ongoing reforms in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Board for Technical Education, in cultivating the skilled workforce essential for contemporary construction practices.
He concluded that achieving large-scale housing delivery necessitates reinforcing skills development initiatives, enhancing certification systems, improving construction financing, boosting local production of building materials, and embracing modern construction technologies.
