The Federal Government has unveiled plans to develop a digital platform aimed at linking trained artisans with job opportunities in the construction industry. Dubbed “Uber for Artisans,” the initiative will function as an online marketplace to enhance the visibility, accessibility, and efficiency of skilled workers.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, announced the plan while receiving the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, Hon. Adamson Ayinde, and his team in Abuja.
According to a statement published on the ministry’s website, the platform is designed to improve artisans’ earning potential while providing individuals and contractors with easy access to verified professionals.
Dangiwa emphasized that leveraging technology would not only create jobs but also address the challenges of unskilled labor in the construction sector. He noted that the platform would enable seamless connections between trained artisans and clients, ensuring quality service delivery.
The initiative aligns with the National Artisan Skill Acquisition Program (NASA), a scheme developed to address the shortage of skilled labor in the construction industry. Scheduled for launch within the year, NASA aims to train young Nigerians in trades such as plumbing, electrical work, masonry, and carpentry. The program will collaborate with government agencies, institutions, and private sector stakeholders to provide training and certification.
In addition, the ministry is working to complete and operationalize vocational training centers in Abuja, Lagos, and Imo states, with budgetary allocations included in the 2025 proposal. Some institutions will undergo rehabilitation to serve as hubs for hands-on training and capacity building. To fast-track implementation, a committee will be established within three months to develop a training framework and engage key stakeholders in the construction industry.