Tinubu launches Power Force to train 5,000 youths for smart meter rollout
President Bola Tinubu has launched Power Force, a national programme that will train 5,000 young Nigerians to support the accelerated deployment of smart electricity meters.
The initiative, to be implemented through the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, is designed to bridge the shortage of skilled meter installers while providing employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
According to a statement on Thursday by the Executive Secretary of the Presidential Metering Initiative, Mrs Olu Verheijen, the programme forms part of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda to improve the performance and financial sustainability of Nigeria’s electricity sector.
The statement said wider deployment of smart meters would help reduce estimated billing, improve transparency in electricity charges, strengthen revenue collection and enhance service delivery.
Participants will receive practical technical training, industry-recognised certification and opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship within the electricity value chain.
The first phase of the programme will begin in Abuja in July, with subsequent rollouts planned across the six geopolitical zones.
Training will be delivered by the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), while the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) will oversee certification and compliance. Successful participants will be connected with electricity distribution companies, meter providers and other industry partners.
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described the initiative as one that combines youth empowerment with improved electricity access.
“Power Force is a federation initiative that connects opportunity with impact, creating jobs for young Nigerians while strengthening electricity access in every state,” he said.
