The Federal Government has disclosed its plan to develop a digital platform aimed at connecting trained artisans with job opportunities in the construction industry.

The initiative, dubbed “Uber for Artisans,” will serve as an online marketplace, making skilled workers more visible, accessible, and efficient in delivering their services.

According to a statement published on the ministry’s website on Wednesday, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, disclosed this plan while receiving the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, Hon. Adamson Ayinde, and his team at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

The platform aims to boost artisans’ earning potential while ensuring individuals and contractors have easy access to verified professionals for their construction needs.

It affirm that itwill provide a structured system for artisans to showcase their skills and secure consistent job opportunities, adding that: “The platform will serve as an online marketplace where trained and certified artisans can connect with potential customers.”

The statement further revealed that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has conceived the National Artisan Skill Acquisition Program (NASA) to address the shortage of skilled artisans in the construction industry and create sustainable livelihoods for young Nigerians.

Set to launch within the year, the program aims to equip youths with construction-related skills such as plumbing, electrical work, masonry, carpentry, and more.

It will also collaborate with relevant government agencies, institutions, and the private sector to train and certify artisans.

As part of this initiative, the ministry is working to complete and operationalize vocational training centers in Abuja, Lagos, and Imo states. These centers will serve as hubs for hands-on training, equipping artisans with industry-relevant skills and certifications.

Dangiwa further revealed that some of these institutions would undergo rehabilitation in the coming months to enhance capacity-building efforts.

By leveraging technology and structured training, the Federal Government aims to close the skills gap in Nigeria’s construction industry while empowering artisans with better job prospects and financial stability.