Construction Artisans Are Builders of Nigeria’s Future – Dangiwa

The Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s skilled construction workforce, describing artisans as critical drivers of housing delivery, economic growth, and national development.

Speaking at the 6th Construction Artisans Awards (CAA 2026) in Abuja, the Minister said the event celebrates the skilled men and women “whose hands literally build Nigeria,” while promoting professionalism, certification, and pride in technical craftsmanship.

He noted that the two-day programme, which featured screening, practical assessments, competitions, and upskilling workshops, demonstrated discipline, innovation, and professionalism among participants.

According to the Minister, the initiative has evolved into a national platform that raises standards in the construction sector by integrating competency assessments, certification pathways, and skills development.

Dangiwa explained that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, housing is being repositioned not merely as a social service but as a powerful economic engine capable of creating jobs, stimulating supply chains, and expanding opportunities across the economy.

He, however, expressed concern over Nigeria’s shortage of certified construction artisans, noting that the quality of buildings reflects the quality of skills available.

“The construction sector remains one of Nigeria’s largest employers. Every housing unit built creates work for masons, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, welders, tilers, painters and many others. But we must move from labour to skilled labour,” he stated.

The Minister highlighted the Ministry’s National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP), which aims to train artisans, support certification to national competency standards, and connect them to employment opportunities through a digital marketplace and national database.

“This ensures that training leads to work, certification builds credibility, and skills translate into income. NASAP is not just training — it is economic empowerment,” he said.

He commended Family Homes Funds Limited for leveraging development partnerships to train construction artisans nationwide, linking skills training directly to housing delivery and improving quality and livelihoods.

Dangiwa also acknowledged ongoing Technical and Vocatio nal Education and Training (TVET) reforms by the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Board for Technical Education, stressing that a strong TVET system is essential for producing the skilled workforce required for modern construction.

He emphasised that delivering housing at scale requires strengthening skills development, certification systems, construction finance, local building materials production, and adoption of modern building technologies.

“The Construction Artisans Awards elevate the dignity of skilled work, inspire young Nigerians to pursue technical careers, and strengthen the workforce pipeline Nigeria urgently needs,” he said.

The Minister concluded by recognising artisans as builders of communities and livelihoods, stressing that Nigeria must be known not only for the number of homes it builds but also for the quality of craftsmanship behind them.