The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has announced plans to integrate youth empowerment initiatives into its 2026 budget through the promotion of the National Artisans Skills Acquisition Programme.
This was as the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling unemployment by equipping young Nigerians with practical skills in the housing and construction sectors.
Ata made the commitment when he received a delegation from the University of Uyo Centre for Skills Acquisition and Rural Development, led by its Director, Ambassador Ernest Essien.
In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Badamasi Haiba, the ministry said the initiative is designed to train and create sustainable job opportunities for Nigerian youths across the country.
He assured that the ministry would continue to partner with relevant institutions to empower youths and strengthen the nation’s workforce through technical and vocational training.
Ata told the delegation that the Ministry is willing to partner with the centre to train and equip Nigerians with skills and resources to bridge the labour gap in the country.
“We are going to continue to interact with you so that we can work on areas of common ground. The Ministry will assist you as we factor your needs into our 2026 budget so that we can provide all the necessary assistance and support to carry out this project,” he said.
