By Omeiza Ajayi

In a strategic move to bridge the skilled labour gap in Nigeria’s building sector, Royal by West African Ceramics Ltd (WACL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) to provide vocational and technical training for over 1,000 artisans.

The partnership aims to address the critical shortage of technically proficient craftsmen capable of working with modern materials and adhering to global best practices within the construction industry.

Under the agreement, both organisations will develop structured training programmes designed to meet statutory and professional standards.

The initiative focuses on equipping participants with practical skills, ensuring they are competitive in a rapidly evolving market while providing them with a pathway to steady employment.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Managing Director of Royal by WACL, Mr. Franklin Jose, emphasised that the collaboration is rooted in a shared vision for industry growth.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s construction sector through skills development,” Jose stated. “By equipping artisans with practical knowledge and modern techniques, we are creating opportunities for employment while raising quality standards across the industry.”

The programme is a key component of Royal by WACL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, focusing on community empowerment and workforce development.

The company, which has been a fixture in the Nigerian industrial landscape for three decades, described the MoU as a model for how manufacturers and professional bodies can collaborate to build a more capable workforce.

On its part, the NIOB, established under Act CAP B13 LFN 2004, brings its regulatory expertise to the table. As a professional body licensed by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the NIOB serves as an awarding body under the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), ensuring that the certification provided to the artisans carries national and professional weight.

Industry observers noted that the initiative comes at a vital time when the Nigerian construction sector is under pressure to eliminate building collapses and improve the finishing quality of housing projects nationwide.