Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL) has officially commenced the African Development Bank (AfDB)-funded Artisan Skill Training (FAST) programme in Katsina State on Wednesday, marking a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s construction workforce.
The initiative is designed to professionalise the housing value chain and equip young Nigerians with globally recognised construction skills. It is supported by a $1 million technical assistance grant from the Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation (YEI) Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
Promoted by Family Homes Funds Limited, the programme aims to train 500 young Nigerians and prepare them for immediate entry into the construction industry. This launch in Katsina signals the beginning of a nationwide rollout that will extend to 12 states, creating what organisers describe as a self-sufficient and market-ready workforce for Nigeria’s housing sector.
In a statement signed and released on Wednesday, the FAST Project Lead, Mrs. Monsurat Muhammed, outlined the opportunities available to successful participants.
“This initiative aims to professionalise the housing value chain by equipping 500 young Nigerians with globally recognised skills.
“Upon successful completion, graduates will receive Nigerian Skills Qualification (NSQ) certification, starter packs to begin immediate work, and enrollment in the FHFL database for future deployment to nationwide housing projects,” Muhammed stated.
She explained that the programme is structured to meet international standards and position participants for long-term employment in the construction industry. According to her, after the Katsina pilot phase, the FAST programme will expand to Abia, Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Bauchi, Delta, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Niger, and Ogun states.
Speaking at the training centre, the Katsina State Coordinator, Bldr Hamzat Isah, expressed confidence in the quality of trainees and the broader impact of the programme on the national economy.
“With this kind of training, we will now have local experts who can handle complex painting, carpentry, and POP work.
“We will 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,” Isah affirmed.
The FAST programme provides hands-on instruction in high-demand trades such as masonry, electrical wiring, tiling, painting, and plumbing. Organisers say the practical focus is meant to ensure participants can immediately apply their skills in real projects.
Highlighting the level of interest among participants, Isah noted the growing inclusion of women in the training.
“Most of the students are showing keen interest in the program. We are educating them on various trades… and the number of women we have compared to men is 28%. Yes, 28% of them are women. This reflects a strong shift in trades traditionally dominated by men,” he said.
The initiative has received strong backing from the Katsina State Government. Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda is providing logistical support for the programme, including feeding and accommodation for participants, as part of his administration’s focus on youth empowerment.
Family Homes Funds Limited, a social housing finance institution owned by the Federal Government, is leading the project as part of efforts to bridge Nigeria’s housing deficit while creating sustainable jobs for young people across the country.
