AfDB-backed FAST Programme Certifies 572 Young Nigerian Artisans

The Family Homes Artisans Skills Training (FAST) Programme has trained and certified 572 young Nigerians for jobs and business opportunities in the country's growing construction sector. The African Development Bank (AfDB) backed the initiative with a $1 million grant from the Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund.

Family Homes Funds Limited implemented the programme to close the gap in qualified artisans as Nigeria expands housing and infrastructure development. Participants received classroom and practical training in masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, painting and tiling.

Abuja and Katsina Training

In Abuja, 72 artisans gained hands-on experience at the Renewed Hope City housing development before being linked to employment opportunities involving the project and development partners. The programme later expanded to Katsina State, where another 500 people completed intensive technical training.

Independent assessments carried out under Nigeria's National Skills Qualification framework recorded a 98 per cent pass rate. Graduates also received monthly stipends and trade-specific starter toolkits to help them enter professional practice.

Abuja engineer and civil servant Ansa Umana said the electrical training changed his confidence at work. "Before, I had limited practical experience in electrical installations," he said. "Through the training, I learned wiring, installation techniques and safety procedures. The skills have given me the confidence to take on more responsibilities at work and pursue opportunities I would previously have avoided."

Women and New Entrants in the Trade

Women accounted for 94 of the 572 graduates, including 81 participants trained in Katsina. Abuja masonry graduate Eucharia Onah said the programme opened doors for her on site. "Today, I can confidently carry out plastering and block work alongside my male colleagues," she said. "The programme gave me the skills and confidence to succeed and showed me what women can achieve in construction work."

Katsina carpentry graduate Sa'idu Rabiu entered the programme with no prior experience in the trade. "Before, I had never practised carpentry," Rabiu said. "Today, I can measure, cut and build with confidence."

Digital Database for Artisans

Family Homes Funds Limited is developing a digital database that will connect certified artisans with developers, contractors and other employers across Nigeria.

AfDB Acting Vice-President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Dr Abdul Kamara said the programme has already moved trainees into work. "Through FAST, hundreds of young Nigerians have moved from training to employment opportunities," he said.

The programme aims to train approximately 2,000 artisans by the end of 2026.