全球发展中心-尼日利亚和德国在建筑方面的全球技能伙伴关系（英）-2021.7_24页_933kb

Summary of A Global Skill Partnership in Construction between Nigeria and Germany

Core Content

This document outlines the potential for a Global Skill Partnership in the construction sector between Nigeria and Germany, based on the World Bank and Center for Global Development (CGD) collaboration. It explores the labor market dynamics, training systems, and migration patterns in both countries, and proposes a structured approach to address skill shortages and enhance economic development.

Main Objectives

• To understand how labor migration and skills partnerships can provide better employment opportunities for Nigerian youth.
• To assess the feasibility of new bilateral labor agreements in construction.
• To design a Global Skill Partnership that benefits both Nigeria and Germany by addressing labor shortages and skill gaps.

Key Insights

Global Construction Market Trends

• The global construction market is expected to grow to $17.5 trillion by 2030, up from $9.5 trillion today.
• 70% of this growth will occur in eight countries, including Nigeria, highlighting the sector's potential.
• The construction industry is labor-intensive, generating more direct, indirect, and induced jobs than other sectors.

Skill Shortages in Nigeria and Germany

• Nigeria faces a housing gap of 17 million units and requires $3 trillion in infrastructure investment over the next 30 years.
• Germany experiences skill shortages in construction due to aging workforce and declining vocational training participation.
• Both countries face increased demand for skilled labor, but limited local supply.

Construction Workforce in Nigeria

• 3% of Nigeria's working-age population is employed in construction.
• 61% of workers are in rural areas, and 84% are between 25 and 64 years.
• 96% of workers are men, and less than 16% have tertiary education.
• The construction workforce is under-skilled and under-trained, leading to low productivity and poor working conditions.

Construction Workforce in Germany

• The German construction sector employs 2.4 million people, with 15.4% being foreign workers.
• There is a significant shortage of skilled labor, especially in vocational training areas.
• The dual education system is the main training model, combining work-based learning and school-based learning.
• Despite the need, third country workers face barriers to accessing the German labor market.

Construction Management and Training

Nigeria

• The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (FMWH) is the lead regulator, with the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) co-managing the housing sector.
• The National Institute of Construction Technology and Management (NICTM) was established in 2014 to offer formal training.
• N-Power Build (2019) targets 75,000 unemployed youth with 3-month training in key construction trades.
• Informal training is also common, with trainees learning from "masters" and platforms like Builders Hub Vocational Academy (BHVA).

Germany

• The dual education system is central to vocational training, with apprenticeships being the primary method.
• The Chambers of Crafts (Handwerkskammer) and Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs) are key players in training and licensing.
• The new Skilled Immigration Act (2020) allows vocational graduates from third countries to enter the German labor market without a labor market test, provided their qualification is recognized and they have a job offer.
• Language proficiency (at least B1 level) and financial support are prerequisites for migration.

Migration Trends

• Migration is a cornerstone of the construction industry, particularly due to labor shortages and project complexity.
• Nigeria has a high demand for construction workers due to rapid urbanization and infrastructure needs.
• Germany is increasingly reliant on migrant workers, especially from Eastern Europe and other European countries.
• The new Skilled Immigration Act aims to simplify the process for third-country workers, but implementation challenges persist, including qualification recognition and language barriers.

Proposed Global Skill Partnership

• The partnership aims to train and migrate skilled workers from Nigeria to Germany to meet labor demands.
• It would focus on general skills for Nigeria's housing sector and supervisory/specialized skills for Germany.
• The partnership would promote a self-sustaining model, combining public and private sector efforts.
• It would enhance the attractiveness of construction as a career path in Nigeria and Germany.

Risks and Mitigation Measures

• Risks include labor market mismatches, qualification recognition issues, and language barriers.
• Mitigation measures involve:
  • Enhancing formal and informal training in Nigeria.
  • Establishing clear recognition mechanisms for Nigerian qualifications in Germany.
  • Improving wages and working conditions in both countries to attract local workers.
  • Creating coordinated migration pathways and legal frameworks to facilitate the movement of skilled workers.

Funding and Implementation

• Funding is a critical component of the partnership, requiring investment in training infrastructure and migration facilitation.
• Implementation would involve collaboration between governments, private sector, and international organizations.
• The Nigerian College of Practical Skills and Start-Up Centre is an example of a successful initiative that could be scaled and replicated.

Conclusion

This document highlights the potential of a Global Skill Partnership in construction between Nigeria and Germany to address skill shortages, enhance productivity, and support economic development. It emphasizes the need for structured training, clear migration pathways, and collaborative efforts to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the partnership.