President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja directed the Federal Ministries of Works and Lands, Housing and Urban Development to urgently prepare and present for approval and implementation, a plan of action for the speedy revitalisation and expansion of the nation’s vocational training centres.

President Buhari gave the directive after being told at a meeting with the Board of Directors of Julius Berger that because of a shortage of competent construction workers and artisans in the country, many construction companies were forced to bring in skilled workers from abroad.

Observing that this practice was very detrimental to his administration’s commitment to boost employment opportunities for young Nigerians, President Buhari pledged that his administration will move quickly to address the shortage of skilled construction workers in the country.

The President, who demanded a report on the current status of existing vocational training centres established by the Federal Government, said that his administration will take all necessary action to rapidly reposition them as efficient producers of skilled workers for Nigeria’s building and construction industry.

President Buhari assured members of the Board of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc that his administration will act swiftly to ensure that the Building Craft Training School and Skill Improvement Centre in Lagos are fully revamped, staffed and equipped to produce more skilled electricians, brick and block layers, carpenters, painters, welders, fabricators, plumbers and other artisans.

Reaffirming his administration's commitment to the proper education and training of Nigerian youth for the current demands of the labour market, the President said that the Federal Government will act expeditiously to remove all impediments to the fulfilment of its promise of more jobs for unemployed Nigerians.

He also assured the Julius Berger Directors led by Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu that in spite of present funding challenges, the Federal Government will continue to do everything possible to settle genuine outstanding payments due to contractors.

•Photo shows President Buhari with the visiting Julius Berger Board of Directors . . . yesterday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.