The Federal Government has launched the first batch of training under the Power Force Programme, selecting 5,000 young Nigerians as certified smart electricity meter installers from about 220,000 applicants.
The initiative, implemented under the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), aims to build a skilled workforce to accelerate the nationwide rollout of smart electricity meters while creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
The flag-off ceremony held at the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) headquarters in Abuja marked the commencement of a three-week intensive practical and classroom training program for the first batch of trainees.
Once completed, participants will be placed nationwide as certified meter installers.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said the trainees would play a key role in strengthening Nigeria’s power sector.
“Behind the success of every metering program is the presence of thousands of talented, certified and dedicated technicians. The 5,000 young Nigerians who will be trained under this initiative will form the backbone of Nigeria’s smart metering workforce.”
Mr Tegbe pointed out that the Power Force program shows that reforming the power sector is not just about technology, but also about job creation, skills development and improved livelihoods.
“Our electricity reform is not just about equipment and technology; it is equally about creating opportunities, building human capital and securing livelihoods,” he said.
The minister also commended the Association of Meter Manufacturers of Nigeria (AMMON) for withdrawing its legal action against the meter program, saying the move was an important step towards accelerating meter rollout across the country.
Executive Director of the Presidential Metering Initiative and Special Assistant to the President on Energy, Mr. Olu Verheijen, described the initiative as the largest metering program in Nigeria’s history.
He said PMI was established by President Bola Tinubu in 2023 to address one of the biggest structural challenges in Nigeria’s power sector.
“PMI was established to ensure that all Nigerians only pay for the electricity they actually use,” she said.
Verheijen added that training 5,000 installers would create a ripple effect that would encourage more young Nigerians to improve their technical skills.
“One young installer cannot change Nigeria. But 5,000 can inspire 50,000, and 50,000 can inspire millions more. That is the beginning of a movement. One opportunity, one person, one act of service at a time.”
Also speaking was Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, who, on behalf of NGF Executive Director for Finance and Administration, Edmund Nnaji, called on the state government to support the initiative and help scale the program beyond the initial 5,000 trainees.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayo Olawande, said the program is in line with the ministry’s ‘One Youth, Two Skills’ initiative to equip young Nigerians with employable technical skills.
“This is not just the launch of a training program, but the creation of jobs and opportunities for young Nigerians to contribute to the development of the country.”
Following the Abuja launch, the training will be expanded to centers across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Upon successful completion, participants will receive formal certification from the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Authority (NEMSA), confirming that they meet national and international competency and safety standards for electricity meter installations.
Other dignitaries present at the event included Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Ayo Gbelei; Mr. Ahmed Bolaji Nagode, Managing Director of NAPTIN. and Mr. Michael Adesayo, Managing Director of NEMSA.
