FG Partners Polaris Capital to Train 100,000 Artisans Under NASAP Initiative

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Polaris Capital Ltd. to implement the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP), a major initiative aimed at training and certifying 100,000 artisans across Nigeria.

The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday in Abuja, with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, highlighting the programme’s strategic importance in bridging the nation's artisan skills gap and modernising the construction workforce under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Today marks a significant milestone with the signing of the MoU for the launch of NASAP, a nationwide intervention designed to upskill, certify, and digitally connect artisans in priority construction trades,” Dr. Belgore said.

He outlined the core objectives of NASAP, which include:

• Enhancing technical capacity in the housing and construction sector
• Creating sustainable employment opportunities for youth and artisans
• Promoting inclusivity by encouraging participation from women, youth, and persons with disabilities
• Leveraging technology through a national booking and verification system for certified artisans

Dr. Belgore further explained that NASAP is structured as a three-year programme, with funding expected from federal budget allocations, private sector investments, and contributions from development partners. A digital platform will also be developed to ensure financial sustainability and operational continuity beyond the lifespan of the MoU.

He added that the initiative aligns with broader efforts to deliver affordable housing across the country by strengthening the capacity of local skilled labour.

Speaking at the event, Polaris Capital Ltd.’s Chief Executive Officer, Kelvin Vihishima, praised the initiative, describing it as a critical step toward reducing Nigeria’s skills gap and boosting economic productivity.

“Skills are the bedrock of any thriving economy. Through this programme, we aim to reduce unemployment, eliminate quackery in the construction industry, and professionalize artisan trades,” Vihishima said.

He commended the Ministry for embracing the initiative and affirmed Polaris Capital’s commitment to its successful delivery.

Also present at the event was Ibechile Egwudale, Director of the Federal Public Asset Maintenance (FPAM) Department, who emphasized that the partnership reflects the Ministry’s dedication to skills development, job creation, and sustainable urban growth guided by accountability and inclusiveness.

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