Trackup-news.com
Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasized the urgent need for collective action to address Nigeria’s growing skills gap, describing it as a national priority crucial for economic transformation.
Speaking at the 6th meeting of the National Council on Skills, Shettima stressed that developing a strategic workforce capable of meeting the country’s evolving economic demands is essential.
The Federal Government is considering a proposal to review existing skills training centers across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to align their work with national development goals. A key aspect of this proposal is a National Skills Infrastructure Audit, which aims to create a centralized database of training facilities, verify their functionality, and identify gaps.
The audit will involve physical verification of centers and detailed cataloging of operational training facilities to ensure alignment with national occupational standards and labor market needs. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen human capital development for national growth and industry through skills development.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, presented the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme, which aims to train 10,000 artisans annually in high-demand construction trades. The program seeks to formalize Nigeria’s informal artisan sector, provide certification, and onboard qualified artisans onto a Digital Artisan Marketplace.
The program’s goal is to establish a reliable and competent artisan workforce to drive the Ministry’s housing and infrastructure agenda while empowering Nigerian youth with employable skills. It is projected to have a significant impact on job creation and long-term infrastructure development.
