The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s skilled construction workforce, describing artisans as central to housing delivery, economic growth and national development.
Speaking at the 6th Construction Artisans Awards (CAA 2026) in Abuja, Dangiwa said the initiative has grown into a national platform dedicated to raising standards in the construction sector through competency assessments, certification pathways and structured skills development.
He noted that the awards celebrate skilled workers whose craftsmanship forms the backbone of Nigeria’s infrastructure and housing expansion.
“This event recognises the skilled men and women whose hands literally build Nigeria,” Dangiwa said. “It promotes professionalism, certification and pride in technical craftsmanship.”
Housing as an Economic Engine
Dangiwa emphasised that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, housing is no longer viewed solely as a social service but as a powerful economic driver capable of stimulating job creation, strengthening supply chains and boosting economic productivity.
According to the minister, each housing unit constructed generates employment opportunities for masons, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, welders, tilers, painters and other skilled workers. However, he stressed the need to transition from unskilled labour to certified, highly trained professionals.
“The construction sector remains one of Nigeria’s largest employers. Every housing unit built creates jobs across multiple trades. But we must move from labour to skilled labour,” he said.
He warned that the shortage of certified construction artisans poses a challenge to quality housing delivery, adding that the standard of infrastructure development directly reflects the level of skills available in the workforce.
“Training must lead to work. Certification builds credibility, and skills translate into income,” Dangiwa added.
Strengthening Artisan Certification and Training
The minister highlighted the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP) as a key strategy to bridge Nigeria’s construction skills gap. The programme is designed to train artisans, align them with national competency standards and connect them to employment opportunities through a digital marketplace and structured database system.
He explained that the initiative aims to formalise artisan training, improve construction quality and enhance income prospects for workers across the country.
Dangiwa also underscored the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) reforms being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Board for Technical Education. These reforms, he said, are critical to producing a modern, globally competitive workforce capable of supporting Nigeria’s ambitious housing targets.
The two-day Construction Artisans Awards programme featured practical assessments, skills competitions, upskilling workshops and professional screenings. According to Dangiwa, these activities are structured to demonstrate discipline, innovation and adherence to industry best practices.
Tackling Nigeria’s Housing Deficit
Nigeria continues to face a significant housing deficit, estimated in the millions, creating an urgent need for sustainable and large-scale housing development. The minister argued that addressing the shortfall requires more than financing and policy reforms; it demands a strong foundation of skilled manpower.
He stated that delivering housing at scale depends on strengthening skills development systems, improving certification frameworks, expanding construction finance and promoting local building materials production. The adoption of modern building technologies, he added, would also accelerate project timelines and improve cost efficiency.
Dangiwa commended Family Homes Funds Limited for leveraging development partnerships to train construction artisans nationwide. He said the organisation has successfully linked skills training directly to housing delivery projects, thereby improving construction quality while boosting livelihoods.
By integrating artisan training with active housing projects, the minister noted, the government and its partners are ensuring that workforce development translates into tangible economic outcomes.
Investor Confidence and Sector Growth
Industry stakeholders at the event observed that improving certification and professionalism among artisans could boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s housing sector. Transparent skills verification and competency standards are expected to reduce project delays, minimise structural defects and enhance the long-term value of housing investments.
Dangiwa reiterated that reforms in the construction sector align with broader economic objectives aimed at strengthening governance, improving service delivery and fostering sustainable growth.
He concluded that empowering artisans is not merely a labour policy but a strategic investment in national development.
“Our goal is to build cities that work for everyone,” he said. “When we strengthen our artisans, we strengthen our housing sector, our economy and our future.”
The minister called on stakeholders across the public and private sectors to support certification drives, expand apprenticeship opportunities and promote vocational careers among young Nigerians.
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to close its housing gap and stimulate economic growth, industry experts say sustained investment in construction artisans may prove pivotal to achieving long-term infrastructure and development goals.
