The National Directorate of Employment and the Construction Artisan Training School have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to train one million youths in various construction artisan skills by 2036.
The MoU was signed at the NDE headquarters in Abuja recently.
Under what is called “Project One Million Construction Artisan Training Vision 2036”, the programme covers both new entrants and existing artisans who seek reskilling and empowerment opportunities.
According to the Project Lead of CATS, Dr Olayemi Rotimi-Shodimu, in a statement, the training, which will be held at NDE training centres nationwide, aims to reduce Nigeria’s construction skills deficit.
He said: “The programme is fully funded by CATS and will focus on equipping youths with in-demand skills in the construction industry, enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial prospects.
“This partnership is a game-changer for Nigerian youths. By collaborating with NDE, we can make a significant impact in addressing the country’s construction skills deficit and creating opportunities for our youth.
“The project will not only benefit new entrants to the job market but also offer reskilling and empowerment programmes for existing artisans in the informal sector, in a comprehensive approach expected to create direct and indirect jobs, reduce drug addiction, and mitigate insecurity among Nigerian youths.”
In his remarks, the Director-General of the NDE, Silas Agara, said the directorate was committed to partnerships that equip Nigerian youths with the requisite skills and reduce the unemployment toll in the country.
Agara said: “We are committed to empowering Nigerian youths with skills that drive economic growth.
“This partnership with CATS aligns with our mandate to promote employment and entrepreneurship, and we look forward to transforming the lives of one million youths through this initiative.”
Olawale Franklin Akinselure is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with 11 years of experience covering education, politics, health, environment, judiciary, metro, and community beats. She specializes in producing insightful, wide-ranging reports that inform and engage readers. Her reporting reflects practical newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a dedication to accurate, reliable journalism.
