The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has partnered with the Construction Artisan Training School (CATS) to train one million Nigerian youths in construction artisan skills over the next 10 years.

The partnership was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja to launch “Project 1 Million Construction Artisan Training Vision 2036.”

Under the initiative, beneficiaries will receive training free of charge in various construction-related skills aimed at improving employability and promoting entrepreneurship among youths.

The programme is fully funded by CATS and its partners, enabling qualified participants to access professional training without financial constraints.

Through the collaboration, NDE will deploy its nationwide network of training centres to support the project, providing facilities and technical expertise for the programme’s implementation.

Project Lead of CATS, Dr. Olayemi Rotimi-Shodimu, described the partnership as a major step toward addressing Nigeria’s construction skills gap.

According to him, working with NDE will enable the project to reach more young people and create opportunities in the country’s growing construction sector.

“This partnership is a game-changer for Nigeria’s youth. By collaborating with NDE, we can significantly tackle the construction skills deficit while creating opportunities for young Nigerians,” he said.

The initiative will also include reskilling programmes for artisans already operating in the informal sector.

Director-General of NDE, Silas Agara, said the partnership aligns with the agency’s mandate to promote employment and entrepreneurship across the country.

He noted that equipping youths with practical skills would contribute to economic growth and social stability.

Agara added that the programme is expected to create both direct and indirect employment opportunities while helping to reduce youth involvement in crime and drug abuse.

The Project 1 Million Construction Artisan Training Vision 2036 is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s construction workforce and support national development over the next decade.