LAGOS HOUSING SECTOR AND THE CRAFTSMAN PROGRAMME

As part of strategic moves to bridge the skill gap in the housing sector, Lagos State has commenced a comprehensive training project targeted at artisans and craftsmen in the sector.

The skill acquisition programme, tagged “Master Craftsman Training Programme” commenced on 19th August 2023. It is to enable residents of the State, mainly the youth in the construction sector, to update their skills and acquire other competencies that will make them more employable. The ultimate goal is to improve their economic well-being.

According to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Mr. Kamar Olowoshago, the intensive training, which is for six weeks, is a weekend programme that will be centred on critical construction trades.

These include electrical installation and maintenance works, painting and decorating, plumbing and pipe-fitting, carpentry and furniture making and masonry (block laying and concreting).

There will also be classes on connected areas such as customer relations, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Health and Safety. The training will be conducted by experts in the field who will train and retrain participants based on current trends in the industry.

Locations of the programme include Ikotun in Alimosho Local Government and Ikorodu in Ikorodu Local Government. The opportunity is open to residents that are above 18 years. Applicants must have evidence of being registered with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency. They must also have basic training in the skills, either in technical colleges or through the informal apprenticeship method.

The selection process will be based on timeliness. Forms can be obtained at the Director of Administration and Human Resources Office, Ministry of Housing Lagos State.

Each certified master craftsman with over 70% attendance will receive certification from a notable professional institute, empowerment with modern tools of their trade, work gears and stipends from the State government.

Participants are advised to prepare for comprehensive practical and theoretical sessions during the training. It must, however, be stressed that the trainees will be fully insured during the entire training period in the unlikely incident of hazards or dangers during the practical sessions.

This initiative, by the Governor of the State, Mr. Olusola Sanwo-Olu is in addition to other steps being taken to ensure increase in safe and decent homes for Lagosians. With the inauguration of over 22 new homes across the State by the Sanwo-Olu administration, the past four years have, no doubt, brought about vibrant activities in the sector.

In order to consolidate on the gains of the past, housing projects inherited from past administrations were completed and commissioned. Suffice to say that through this strategy, unwarranted wastage, which would have resulted from continued abandonment of such housing projects, was curtailed.

In this category, there were 15 budgetary allocation housing schemes, comprising over 5000 home units at various locations in the state at different levels of completion. Some of the scheme sites are Igando, Igbogbo, Ibeshe, Odo Onosa/Ayandelu, Agbowa, Sangotedo, Egan-Igando, LASU main Campus, Iba, Ajara, and Epe to mention a few. It gladdens the heart to note that over 95% of these schemes are completed now. They are now livable cities with enviable community life.

Sanwo-Olu also activated the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) schemes, which were already in existence. There were over 30 private investors who were in joint partnership with the state in developing some housing schemes.

The involvement of the private sector in increasing the state’s housing stock is crucial. It helps in reducing direct governmental expenditure, thereby releasing more funds for bridging other infrastructural gaps. Some of such projects are located at Idale in Badagry, Lekki, Iponri, Ibeshe, Owutu, Ijora, Ipaja and Ajegunle.

Adeola Salako, Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Housing, Alausa, Ikeja