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President Buhari moves to address shortage of skilled construction workers in Nigeria

Nov 2, 2015, 11:22 AM

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday directed the Ministries of Works and Lands, Housing and Urban Development to prepare and present for approval and implementation, a plan of action for the speedy revitalisation and expansion of the nation’s vocational training centres.

According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President gave the directive, after being told at a meeting with the Board of Directors of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, that because of shortage of competent construction workers and artisans in the country, many construction companies were forced to bring in skilled workers from abroad.

Buhari was quoted as saying that the practice is detrimental to his administration’s commitment to boost employment opportunities for young Nigerians.

He pledged that his administration will move quickly to address the shortage of skilled construction workers in the country.

The President, who demanded a report on the current status of existing vocational training centres established by the Federal Government, said his administration would take all necessary actions to reposition them as efficient producers of skilled workers for Nigeria’s building and construction industry.

He assured the firm’s delegation that his administration would act swiftly to ensure that the Building Craft Training School and Skill Improvement Centre in Lagos were fully revamped, staffed and equipped to produce more skilled electricians, brick and block layers, carpenters, painters, welders, fabricators, plumbers and other artisans.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the proper education and training of Nigerian youth for the current demands of the labour market, the President said the Federal Government would act expeditiously to remove all impediments to the fulfilment of its promise of more jobs for unemployed Nigerians.

He also assured the firm’s directors led by Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu that in spite of present funding challenges, the Federal Government would continue to do everything possible to settle genuine outstanding payments due to contractors.

Culled from Punch Newspaper

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