Tinubu Launches Power Force Programme to Train 5,000 Nigerian Youths in Smart Meter Installation

President Tinubu Launches Power Force Programme to Train 5,000 Young Nigerians for Smart Meter Jobs

Description: President Bola Tinubu has unveiled the Power Force Programme to train 5,000 young Nigerians in smart electricity meter installation, creating jobs, ending estimated billing, and strengthening Nigeria's power sector.

President Tinubu Unveils Power Force Programme to Train 5,000 Young Nigerians, Boost Smart Meter Rollout

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched the Power Force Programme, a landmark national initiative that will train 5,000 young Nigerians as smart electricity meter installers and technicians.

The programme is designed to accelerate the nationwide rollout of smart electricity meters, create thousands of employment opportunities, reduce estimated billing, and support ongoing reforms in Nigeria's power sector.

The initiative forms part of the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on youth empowerment, job creation, and improving critical infrastructure across the country.

What Is the Power Force Programme?

The Power Force Programme is being implemented through the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.

Its primary goal is to close Nigeria's metering gap by equipping young Nigerians with practical technical skills needed for installing and maintaining smart electricity meters.

Participants will receive professional training, nationally recognised certification, and direct access to employment opportunities within Nigeria's growing electricity industry.

Why the Initiative Matters

Millions of electricity consumers across Nigeria continue to face the challenge of estimated billing due to the shortage of prepaid and smart electricity meters.

The Tinubu administration believes expanding access to smart metering will deliver multiple benefits, including:

Ending estimated electricity billing

Improving transparency in electricity charges

Protecting consumers

Increasing revenue collection for electricity distribution companies

Reducing energy losses

Improving customer confidence

Encouraging investment in the power sector

Enhancing electricity service delivery nationwide

The initiative is expected to strengthen the financial sustainability of Nigeria's electricity market while improving accountability across the sector.

5,000 Youths to Receive Technical Training

Under the first phase of the programme, 5,000 Nigerian youths will undergo intensive technical training beginning in July 2026.

The pilot phase will commence in Abuja, with subsequent expansion across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones.

Successful participants will receive hands-on training in:

Smart meter installation

Meter maintenance

Technical compliance

Electrical safety

Customer service

Industry best practices

Upon completion, graduates will be linked directly with electricity distribution companies (DisCos), meter manufacturers, installation firms, and other partners within the power value chain.

NAPTIN and NEMSA to Oversee Training

The technical training will be delivered by the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN).

Meanwhile, certification and regulatory compliance will be supervised by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) to ensure trainees meet national industry standards.

This structured approach aims to produce a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting Nigeria's expanding electricity infrastructure.

Tinubu: Jobs, Skills and Dignity

President Tinubu described the initiative as more than a job creation programme.

According to the President, the Power Force Programme is designed to give young Nigerians practical skills, recognised certification, and dignified employment opportunities.

He explained that properly metered homes and businesses create a fairer electricity system where consumers pay only for the power they use.

Improved revenue collection, he noted, enables electricity distribution companies to maintain infrastructure, reduce losses, expand electricity access, and invest in better customer service.

Eligibility Requirements

According to the Presidency, the programme will be open to eligible Nigerians who have completed secondary school education.

A dedicated quota has also been reserved for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), creating additional opportunities for graduates seeking technical careers.

Applications Open July 4, 2026

Applications for the first batch of trainees will officially open on Friday, July 4, 2026, and remain available for two weeks.

Interested applicants can access eligibility requirements, programme details, and submit applications through the official PMI and NAPTIN application portals.

Officials Highlight Economic Benefits

Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF), Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described the initiative as a federation-wide programme that connects employment with national development while improving electricity access across all states.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, stated that sustainable reforms in Nigeria's electricity sector depend on developing skilled professionals capable of supporting future growth.

Similarly, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the programme demonstrates the government's commitment to providing young Nigerians with practical opportunities rather than short-term assistance.

Executive Secretary of the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), Mrs. Olu Verheijen, added that increased metering will strengthen public trust in the electricity market, improve revenues, attract investment, and ultimately lead to better power supply.

A Major Step Toward Ending Estimated Billing

Nigeria's electricity sector has struggled for years with inadequate metering, leading to widespread complaints about estimated billing.

The Power Force Programme aims to address this challenge by rapidly expanding the country's workforce of qualified meter installers while supporting the nationwide deployment of smart electricity meters.

If successfully implemented, the initiative could help millions of Nigerians enjoy more transparent electricity billing while creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people.

The Road Ahead

The launch of the Power Force Programme represents one of the Tinubu administration's most ambitious youth employment and electricity reform initiatives.

By combining technical training, nationally recognised certification, and direct employment pathways, the programme seeks to tackle two major national challenges simultaneously—youth unemployment and inadequate electricity metering.

As applications open on July 4, 2026, thousands of eligible Nigerians now have an opportunity to build technical careers while contributing to the transformation of Nigeria's power sector.

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