Do you know that the construction industry sector made a staggering contribution of N5.7 trillion in three years to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)?
National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its summary report of 2010, 2011 and 2012 fiscal years on the construction industry disclosed that in 2010, the sector contributed N1.570 trillion, a value which leapt by 21.30 percent to reach N1.905 trillion in 2011. The industry’s contributions closed at N2.188 trillion in 2012, bringing the total contribution of the sector to GDP to N5.7 trillion.
Sadly and regrettably, there is an acute shortage of adequately trained, skilled and productive workers in the sector. Bayo Odunami, a Nigerian architect lamented that the country’s environment is still largely ignorant of the importance of construction workers in general.
Narrating his experience in a report on Daily Trust Newspaper titled “How foreign craftsmen stifle economy” Odunami said, “I went out of my way in one of our projects to say only Nigerian experts will work on the project. I’m very sad today to say that every component I have given to Nigerians is a failure except the kitchen and sound system… to salvage my time and reputation, I had to fly in Filipinos who are making a tremendous difference.”
The challenge of the skilled workforce shortage is a critical threat to the economic health of many nations around the globe.
You can make a tremendous impact, rise and take up this rewarding challenge by getting skilled up in the plumbing and other building crafts. Graduate Conversion program also available.