The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has unveiled plans to include youth empowerment programmes in its 2026 budget through the expansion of the National Artisans Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP).
Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing unemployment by equipping young Nigerians with hands-on skills relevant to the housing and construction industries.
Ata made this known while hosting a delegation from the University of Uyo Centre for Skills Acquisition and Rural Development, led by its Director, Ambassador Ernest Essien, in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Badamasi Haiba, the initiative aims to train thousands of young people and create sustainable job opportunities across the country. Ata emphasized that the ministry will continue to collaborate with educational and vocational institutions to empower youths and strengthen Nigeria’s technical workforce.
“We will continue to engage with you and explore areas of collaboration. The Ministry will consider your proposals in the 2026 budget so we can provide the necessary support to implement this project,” Ata assured.
The Minister commended the University of Uyo Centre for its comprehensive skill development efforts, noting that its objectives align with the ministry’s NASAP goals of building a pool of skilled workers for the housing sector.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Shuaib Belgore, said both parties share a common vision of advancing youth empowerment through technical and vocational training. He stressed that the partnership would support the ministry’s drive to deliver mass and affordable housing while boosting infrastructure development nationwide.
In his remarks, Ambassador Essien said the visit was to seek partnership with the ministry on skill acquisition and job creation, particularly in Akwa Ibom State. He praised the Federal Government for promoting job creation through artisan training and certification programmes that help young Nigerians compete effectively in the labour market.
“The Ministry’s housing and infrastructure projects require a strong and skilled workforce, and that’s where we intend to contribute,” Essien said.
“We aim to train tertiary-level artisan students so that graduates are not only certified but also ready to participate in the Ministry’s ongoing and future projects,” he added.
Essien also commended the Ministry’s initiative to digitally certify and integrate 10,000 construction artisans annually into the workforce over the next three years, describing it as a major step toward bridging Nigeria’s skill gap and reducing unemployment.
