Axion Africa Trains Artisans on New Skills for Quality Performance, Unveils New Product

In response to the chronic shortage of well-trained artisans in Nigeria’s construction and building industry, professionals and building materials manufacturing firms have intensified efforts to address the gap. 

The latest intervention is a training workshop designed to enhance the competence and professionalism of artisans in the sector.

The programme, tagged “Axion 2026 Builders Challenge Abuja,” was organised by Axion Africa, a leading building materials manufacturing company, in collaboration with builders, architects and other key stakeholders. 

The event, held in Gudu, Abuja, attracted artisans from various trades as well as industry professionals, who shared insights on challenges affecting performance and practical solutions to overcome them.

Speaking at the workshop, the Manager of Axion Abuja, Mr. Tochukwu Eze, noted that the initiative was driven by growing concerns over the numerous challenges confronting Nigeria’s building and construction sector.

“At Axion Africa, our mission is to transform the construction industry in Africa by providing innovative and sustainable building solutions that empower communities, drive economic growth and promote environmental stewardship,” he said.

Eze emphasised the company’s commitment to excellence in product development and customer service, stressing the need for artisans to continuously upgrade their skills through training and seminars. 

He also cautioned against unethical practices, such as collaborating with developers to cut corners through the use of substandard materials or insufficient quantities.

In her goodwill message, the Assistant Secretary of the Nigeria Institute of Building. (NIOB) Mrs. Victoria Gana, commended Axion Africa for organising the workshop. She urged participants to apply the knowledge gained in order to reduce unprofessional practices in the industry.

Gana highlighted that the combination of inferior building materials and incompetent artisans remains a major cause of defective structures in the country.

“If there is proper control of building materials and we have competent artisans involved in construction, we will witness a significant reduction in the menace of substandard practices,” she said. 

She further encouraged youths who may not pursue formal education to embrace vocational skills as a viable and productive career path.

One of the participants, Joshua Irgior, expressed appreciation to the organisers and pledged that trainees would make effective use of the knowledge acquired to improve their craft and contribute meaningfully to the industry.

The company also used the occasion to launch new products, including Polycoat (for liquid marble), Totalcrete for tiling walls and floors, as well as materials for plastering, Tyrolean finishing, block moulding and tile fixing.

At the end of the workshop, outstanding participants were recognised and rewarded. The awardees included Mustapha Raji (Tiling), Samson Ojo (Screeding), Ahmadu Usman (Screeding) and Saidu Abubarka (Decorative Design).

Axion Africa, a subsidiary of Axion Canada, is a leader in the development, distribution and application of organic liquid monomer formulations for global road and building construction industries. 

The company’s technologies, originally developed by the U.S. military for rapid airstrip deployment during the Gulf War, have since been adapted for commercial use while retaining their high-performance standards.

Watch video:

Photos: