The Federal Government has officially launched the Power Force Programme, a flagship workforce development initiative under the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), aimed at training 5,000 young Nigerians in smart meter installation while accelerating the nationwide deployment of electricity meters.
The programme, which is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader reforms in the power sector, seeks to bridge Nigeria’s metering gap, strengthen the electricity value chain, create employment opportunities for young people and improve transparency, efficiency and revenue collection across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
Approved by President Tinubu in November 2023, the Presidential Metering Initiative has evolved into a federation-funded programme involving the Federal, State and Local Governments. The initiative is expected to eliminate estimated billing, enhance investor confidence and build a technology-driven metering ecosystem through strategic investments in workforce development and infrastructure.
Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony, the Director-General of the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) described the programme as a critical investment in Nigeria’s human capital and electricity sector.
“No electricity market can achieve sustainable growth without a highly skilled workforce capable of delivering reliable, efficient and customer-focused services.” he said.
He said NAPTIN had developed a curriculum that combines classroom learning with intensive practical training, aligned with national regulatory requirements and international technical standards.
“The knowledge and practical skills participants acquire here have the potential to transform not only their individual lives but also the future of Nigeria’s electricity sector.”, he stated.
The NAPTIN Director-General urged the trainees to embrace the opportunity with discipline and professionalism, stressing that they would become ambassadors of both the institute and the Presidential Metering Initiative.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Governor of Kwara State, Desmond Obiora said the overwhelming response to the programme demonstrated the determination of Nigerian youths to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“We had 5,000 places available, but we received almost 220,000 applications from young Nigerians across the country.”, he said.
He described the figures as evidence that Nigerian youths are eager to work when given the right opportunities.
“Beneath the statistics of unemployment lies something even more powerful—a generation that is ready to work if given the opportunity.” Obiora said.
Obiora encouraged young Nigerians to focus on building relevant skills rather than dwelling on obstacles.
“Your greatest asset is your ability to learn, to build and to solve the problems that matter.”, he stated.
He added that every successful participant would receive professional training through NAPTIN, industry certification through the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), and a direct pathway to employment with electricity distribution companies and meter providers.
The Executive Secretary of the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), Mrs. Olu Verheijen, described Power Force as a landmark programme designed to modernise Nigeria’s electricity sector by investing in both infrastructure and people.
“This is a landmark initiative that embodies our collective determination to transform Nigeria’s electricity sector—not only by investing in infrastructure but also by investing in our people, especially our youth.”, she said
She commended the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, NAPTIN, NEMSA, electricity distribution companies and development partners for their collaboration in bringing the programme to life.
Addressing the trainees, Verheijen said they were pioneers of a new generation of skilled professionals.
“You are not ordinary participants in a training programme. You are pioneers of a new generation of highly skilled professionals who will play a defining role in modernising Nigeria’s electricity industry.” Verheijen stated
She explained that Nigeria’s metering deficit remains one of the biggest causes of liquidity challenges in the power sector.
“Where electricity consumed cannot be accurately measured, revenue cannot be accurately collected. Where revenue is uncertain, investments decline, infrastructure deteriorates and ultimately consumers suffer.”
According to her, smart metering will restore confidence throughout the electricity value chain.
“Metering removes disputes. It replaces estimation with accuracy, uncertainty with confidence and suspicion with trust.” she said.
She reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to ensuring fairness in electricity billing.
“Every Nigerian deserves to pay only for the actual electricity consumed, and every service provider deserves to be paid for the electricity genuinely supplied.” she said.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the programme as more than just another government initiative, saying it represented a practical solution to youth unemployment.
“Today is not just about launching the Power Force training programme. It is about creating opportunities that will transform the lives of thousands of young Nigerians.”, he stated.
He said the collaboration among ministries, agencies and industry partners demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy.
“This government has shown that collaboration can ensure the dividends of democracy reach every Nigerian.”, Ayodele stated.
Olawande noted that beyond training 5,000 youths, the programme would stimulate broader employment opportunities across the power sector.
“These young Nigerians will be trained, certified and equipped with practical skills that will prepare them for meaningful employment and national development.” he said.
He linked the initiative to the ministry’s broader vision.
“Our goal is simple—one youth, two skills. Every young Nigerian should acquire at least one or two employable skills before the end of this administration.”, the minister stated.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Honourable Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe described Power Force as evidence that collaboration between governments and institutions can produce meaningful national progress.
“Today’s event is compelling evidence that when institutions, national and sub-national, work together for a common purpose, meaningful national progress becomes possible.”, Tegbe stated.
He said the initiative was central to the administration’s ongoing electricity reforms.
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pursued bold reforms designed to restore financial sustainability and confidence across Nigeria’s electricity market.”, he said.
According to the Minister, closing the metering gap will improve revenue collection, attract investment and enhance service delivery across the power sector.
“The metering gap is not merely a technical problem; it is one of the principal causes of the liquidity challenges that have constrained the growth of Nigeria’s electricity sector.”, he said.
He reiterated that accurate metering benefits both electricity consumers and service providers.
“Every Nigerian deserves to pay only for the electricity actually consumed, and every service provider deserves to receive payment for the electricity genuinely supplied.” the Minister stated.
The official flag-off marked the beginning of what stakeholders described as one of Nigeria’s most ambitious workforce development programmes in the electricity sector.
By combining technical training, professional certification and employment pathways, the Power Force Programme is expected to strengthen the country’s metering ecosystem while equipping thousands of young Nigerians with industry-ready skills to support the transformation of Nigeria’s power sector.