The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Polaris Capital Limited to kick-start the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP), a nationwide initiative aimed at training, certifying, and digitally connecting 100,000 artisans to job opportunities across Nigeria.
The agreement was formalized on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, in Abuja, with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, describing the move as a milestone under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to Dr. Belgore, the programme is structured as a three-year intervention that will bridge the nation’s artisan skills gap, modernize the construction workforce, and strengthen the technical capacity of Nigeria’s housing and construction sector.
“Today’s signing of the MoU with Polaris Capital Limited marks a milestone in the launch of NASAP. The programme is designed not only to create employment pathways for Nigerian youth and artisans but also to promote inclusivity by ensuring the participation of women and persons with disabilities,” he said.
The initiative will leverage a national booking and verification system for artisans, ensuring transparency and reducing quackery in the sector. It will be funded through a mix of federal budget allocations, private sector support, and donor contributions. The digital platform is also expected to generate revenue, ensuring sustainability beyond the MoU period.
On his part, Mr. Kelvin Vihishima, CEO of Polaris Capital Limited, praised the partnership as a timely intervention to reduce Nigeria’s skills gap.
“Skills are the bedrock of every economy. This initiative will not only reduce unemployment but also provide the housing sector with a pool of certified artisans. It will reform the industry and enhance the delivery of affordable housing nationwide,” Vihishima noted.
Also speaking, the Director of the Federal Public Asset Maintenance (FPAM) Department, Arc. Ibechile Egwudale, said the collaboration reflects the Ministry’s commitment to accountability, inclusivity, and long-term economic impact.
The highlight of the ceremony was the signing of the MoU by Dr. Belgore on behalf of the Ministry and Mr. Vihishima for Polaris Capital Limited.
