AfDB FAST Programme Certifies 572 Young Nigerians in Construction Trades

The AfDB FAST Programme has successfully certified 572 young Nigerians in essential construction trades, achieving a 98% pass rate and equipping them with industry-recognized skills. This initiative aims to bridge the nation's skills gap and boost employment opportunities in the growing construction sector.

Rick Donovan

September 29, 2026 · 4 min read

The African Development Bank (AfDB)-supported Family Homes Artisans Skills Training (FAST) Programme has certified 572 young Nigerians in critical construction trades, aiming to address the nation's skills gap and boost employment opportunities. This initiative, implemented by Family Homes Funds Limited, has equipped beneficiaries with industry-recognized skills and practical experience, achieving an impressive 98% pass rate under Nigeria's National Skills Qualification framework. The certification comes at a crucial time as Nigeria faces a growing demand for skilled construction workers amid expanding housing and infrastructure projects, with women historically underrepresented in these trades.

Program Structure: Funding, Partners, and Training Locations

The FAST Programme is financially backed by a $1 million grant from the African Development Bank's Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund (YEI MDTF). Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL) serves as the primary implementing partner for this initiative. The program's training and certification activities have been strategically conducted across two key locations in Nigeria: Abuja and Katsina State. The program officially commenced its operations in Katsina State in February 2026, benefiting from significant logistical support provided by the Katsina State Government. This geographical focus allows the program to target areas with high demand for skilled labor and ongoing development projects.

Comprehensive Training in Critical Construction Skills

Participants in the FAST Programme receive comprehensive training designed to impart skills essential for Nigeria's housing and infrastructure development. The curriculum covers six specific, high-demand construction trades: masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electrical works (also referred to as electrical wiring), painting, and tiling. The training methodology is a blended approach, combining structured classroom instruction with extensive hands-on experience gained directly on active construction sites. This practical, immersive learning environment is crucial for equipping beneficiaries with not only theoretical knowledge but also the practical workplace experience and industry-recognized skills necessary to excel in the construction sector. According to the African Development Bank, this approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of professional practice and can contribute effectively to ongoing projects.

Achieving High Certification Rates and Empowering Beneficiaries

The FAST Programme has demonstrated significant success in its outcomes, with 572 young Nigerians successfully trained and certified. Independent assessments, conducted in adherence to Nigeria's National Skills Qualification framework, recorded an impressive 98% pass rate among participants. This high success rate underscores the quality and effectiveness of the training provided, ensuring that certified artisans meet national standards. The initiative has also made notable strides in promoting gender diversity within the construction trades, a sector traditionally dominated by men. Out of the 572 graduates, 94 were women. Specifically in Katsina, women constituted 28% of the participants, reflecting a significant shift in participation in these trades. Beneficiaries have reported tangible benefits from the program. Ansa Umana, an Abuja Engineer and Civil Servant, shared that the training provided her with crucial practical experience in electrical installations, including wiring, installation techniques, and safety procedures. Umana noted that these newly acquired skills have boosted her confidence, enabling her to take on more responsibilities at work and pursue opportunities she might have previously avoided.

Integrated Employment Pathways and Support Mechanisms

A core distinguishing feature of the FAST Programme is its strong focus on ensuring employment outcomes for its graduates, extending beyond merely providing certification. The program actively integrates employers and developers directly into the training process, thereby creating clear and direct pathways from skills acquisition to actual work opportunities. To further support graduates in their transition to professional practice, the initiative provides several key benefits. Participants receive monthly stipends during their training period, helping to alleviate financial burdens. Additionally, each graduate is equipped with trade-specific starter toolkits, providing them with the essential equipment needed to begin their careers immediately. Crucially, the program establishes direct employment linkages. For instance, graduates from Katsina have been connected to opportunities within a substantial ₦155 billion housing scheme. This large-scale project is anticipated to deliver more than 3,600 housing units across the Kankia and Charanchi Local Government Areas, providing concrete and immediate job prospects for the newly certified artisans. This integration of training with real-world projects ensures that the skills learned are directly applicable and in demand.

Future Expansion and Impact on Nigeria's Construction Workforce

The FAST Programme is poised for significant future expansion, with an ambitious target to train approximately 2,000 artisans by the end of 2026. This ongoing effort is designed to substantially strengthen Nigeria's supply of certified artisans, directly addressing the growing demand for skilled labor across the country's expanding housing and infrastructure sectors. According to Dr. Abdul Kamara, the AfDB's Acting Vice-President for Regional Development, Integration, and Business Delivery, the FAST Programme has successfully transitioned hundreds of young Nigerians from training directly into employment opportunities. By aligning skills development with the specific needs of the labor market, the program not only benefits individual participants through enhanced employability and income generation but also contributes significantly to the overall growth and capacity of Nigeria's construction workforce. This strategic approach helps to bridge a critical national skills gap, fostering economic development and supporting the nation's infrastructure goals.