The Federal Government has unveiled plans to establish skill acquisition camps for artisans in all 36 states as part of a broader initiative to strengthen the informal sector and drive economic growth.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, during the inauguration of the 2025 Summer Skills Acquisition Camp organized by the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON).
Speaking at the event, Dangiwa highlighted the importance of skilled labor in national development, emphasizing the government’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians with practical expertise.
“This initiative is about more than just training. It’s about investing in the country’s future workforce,” the minister said. “We are prioritizing the hands that build, the minds that design, and the skills that bring projects to life.”
He also noted that the Federal Government had recently introduced 15 mandatory vocational skills into the basic education curriculum, describing the move as a strategic effort to address the country’s growing skills deficit.
The summer camp, which currently focuses on areas such as masonry, plumbing, painting, tiling, and interior design, is described as a pilot project. According to the minister, the long-term goal is to replicate similar programs across all states.
ARCON President, Dr. Gabriel Oladipo, expressed optimism that the initiative could become a national template for technical training.
“With every state represented on the ARCON Council, we believe it’s achievable to expand this program across all regions and ensure inclusivity in artisan development,” Oladipo said.
