Stakeholders within the construction industry have unveiled plans to train one million artisans in it’s bid to mitigate the recurring menace of building collapses in Nigeria.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of the Sector Skills Council for Building in Nigeria (SSCBIN) which took place, yesterday in Abuja.
In his address, Samson Opaluwah, President of the SSCBIN, revealed the ambitious goal, aligning it with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Opaluwah underscored the critical role of the construction industry in driving economic growth, emphasizing its substantial contribution to the GDP. He highlighted the urgency of addressing challenges such as the shortage of skilled labor, stressing the need for competence and safety standards.
Outlined were the core responsibilities of the SSCBIN, focusing on identifying skill development needs, bridging skills gaps, and ensuring excellence in training and service delivery. Opaluwah emphasized collaboration with stakeholders across various sectors and the importance of industry-driven programs and standards.
In her remarks, Abiola Arogundade, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Education, praised the Council’s establishment, highlighting its potential to shape skills development. Arogundade applauded the contributions of the Council of Registered Builders (CORBON) in setting occupational standards and stressed the need for global alignment and collaboration to address unemployment and boost GDP.
The ceremony concluded with Arogundade officially inaugurating the SSCBIN, marking a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s quest for skills development.
Stakeholders expressed optimism for the Council’s role in driving progress and innovation, ultimately fostering economic growth and prosperity in the nation.