The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, said the federal government will create an online application for skilled workers and artisans.

Mr Dangiwa made this known in a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Salisu Haiba, in Abuja on Wednesday.

He spoke after receiving the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, Adamson Ayinde, and his team on a courtesy visit.

He said the digital platform would aim at leveraging technology to make artisans more visible, accessible and efficient in delivering their services.

The minister also said the technology would serve as an online marketplace to make trained artisans accessible and efficient.

He said, “The digital platform to be named ‘Uber for Artisans’ will serve as an online marketplace where trained and certified artisans can connect with potential customers. The platform would enhance the earning potential of artisans and ensure that customers have access to skilled professionals for their construction needs.

“I believe that the Uber for Excel platform will be a game changer in the construction industry. This is because it will not only bridge a gap between supply and demand but also promote transparency and quality service delivery.’’

He added that the ministry was driving the president’s vision for addressing the housing deficit in Nigeria through renewed hope housing programmes.

Mr Dangiwa said the aim was to build seven cities, one in each geopolitical zone of the country and FCT, and 30 renewed hope estates across the country.

He explained that construction work was ongoing at 14 sites for 10,112 housing units, with significant portions expected to be delivered within the next couple of months.

Earlier, Mr Ayinde commended the minister for his efforts in advancing the Renewed Hope Housing Development programme.

Mr Ayinde highlighted the shortage of skilled artisans as one of the key challenges facing the sector.

He said his office was collaborating with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Department of Federal Public Assets Maintenance (FPAM) to train and certify artisans.

He said the initiative would strengthen the local workforce, enhance construction quality, and ensure that Nigerian artisans compete internationally. 

(NAN)