Family Homes Fund Limited (FHFL), in partnership with Katsina State Government, officially launched the African Development Bank (AfDB) funded Artisan Skills Training (FAST) program on Wednesday.
The initiative, aimed at professionalizing the housing value chain, was launched at a site in Katsina State as part of a strategic initiative to equip young Nigerians with globally recognized construction skills.
This program is supported by a $1 million technical assistance grant from the Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation (YEI) Multi-Donor Trust Fund. Following the Katsina pilot, FHFL plans to roll out the initiative to 12 states to create a self-sufficient and market-ready workforce in the Nigerian construction industry.
The initiative, powered by Family Homes Funds Limited, aims to equip 500 young Nigerians with globally recognized skills to professionalize the housing value chain. Katsina’s launch marks the beginning of a rollout across 12 states, supported by a $1 million technical assistance grant from the Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation (YEI) Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
In a statement signed and released on Wednesday, FAST Project Leader Mrs. Monsurat Muhamed outlined the career path that awaits successful participants.
“This initiative aims to equip 500 young Nigerians with globally recognized skills and professionalize the housing value chain.
“On successful completion, graduates will receive Nigeria Skills Qualification (NSQ) certification, a starter pack to start work immediately and registration on the FHFL database for future deployment in housing projects across the country,” Muhammed said.
He further said that the program is designed to create a “ready-to-work” workforce that meets international standards. Following the Katsina pilot, the FAST program will be expanded to Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Delta, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Niger and Ogun states.
Speaking at the training center, the Katsina State Coordinator, Bldr Hamzat Isah, expressed confidence in the capabilities of the new trainees and their long-term impact on the national economy.
“This type of training ensures we have local experts who can handle complex painting, carpentry and POP work.
“We no longer need to look outside our borders, to Ghana or Togo, for skilled artisans. These trainees will provide the best for Katsina and Nigeria at large,” Isa asserted.
This program provides hands-on instruction in high-demand areas such as masonry, electrical wiring, tiling, painting, and plumbing.
Highlighting the enthusiasm of the participants, Isa added: “Most of the students have shown strong interest in this program. We are educating them about different professions… and the number of women compared to men is 28%. Yes, that 28% are women. This reflects a major change in an industry traditionally dominated by men.”
This initiative has received significant support from the Katsina State Government.
Governor Mallam Dikko Umar Radda, who has made youth empowerment a pillar of his administration, is providing logistical support such as meals and lodging to the participants.
Family Homes Funds Limited, a federal government-owned social housing financial institution, remains the main promoter of the project, which aims to fill the housing gap while creating sustainable jobs for young Nigerians.
