President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched Power Force, a nationwide initiative that will train 5,000 young Nigerians to support the accelerated deployment of smart electricity meters while creating employment opportunities and strengthening ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s power sector.
The programme, implemented through the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, is designed to address the shortage of skilled meter installers while providing young Nigerians with practical technical training and direct access to employment opportunities.
Tackling Metering Challenges
Power Force is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to improve electricity distribution, increase access to smart meters, and enhance the financial sustainability of the power sector.
By expanding the rollout of smart electricity meters, the government aims to:
- Reduce estimated billing for electricity consumers.
- Improve transparency in customer billing.
- Strengthen revenue collection across electricity distribution companies.
- Enhance service delivery throughout the power value chain.
The initiative also supports the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda by combining youth empowerment with reforms aimed at improving Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure.
Creating Jobs Through Technical Skills
Under the programme, participants will receive intensive hands-on technical training focused on smart meter installation and related services.
Beyond training, successful participants will earn nationally recognised certifications and gain access to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities within Nigeria’s electricity sector.
The first phase of the programme will begin in Abuja in July 2026, before expanding across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
NAPTIN and NEMSA to Lead Training and Certification
Technical training will be delivered by the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), while certification and compliance standards will be supervised by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA).
Upon completing the programme, graduates will be linked to deployment opportunities with electricity distribution companies (DisCos), meter manufacturers, meter providers, and other industry stakeholders.
Officials Highlight Economic Impact
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described the initiative as a collaborative effort that combines youth employment with improvements in electricity access nationwide.
“Power Force is a federation initiative that connects opportunity with impact, creating jobs for young Nigerians while strengthening electricity access in every state.”
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said the programme recognises that human capital development is essential to transforming Nigeria’s electricity sector.
“A stronger power sector begins with skilled people. Power Force invests in Nigerian talent to power our nation’s future.”
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to providing practical opportunities rather than temporary interventions.
“Young Nigerians want opportunity, not handouts. Power Force gives them practical skills, recognised certification, and a direct pathway to meaningful work that supports national development.”
A Key Part of Nigeria’s Electricity Reform Agenda
Power Force represents one of the Federal Government’s latest efforts to address Nigeria’s longstanding metering gap while creating skilled employment for thousands of young people.
If successfully implemented, the initiative is expected to improve electricity billing accuracy, support the nationwide deployment of smart meters, strengthen the operational capacity of the power sector, and contribute to broader economic growth through youth employment.
