President Bola Tinubu has unveiled Power Force, a nationwide initiative to train 5,000 young Nigerians in smart electricity meter installation as part of efforts to accelerate power sector reforms, improve electricity service delivery, and create employment opportunities.
The programme, to be implemented under the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, seeks to address the shortage of skilled meter installers while opening up employment opportunities for youths across the country’s electricity value chain.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Executive Secretary of the Presidential Metering Initiative, Olu Verheijen, the initiative aligns with the Tinubu administration’s broader agenda of strengthening Nigeria’s electricity sector and enhancing its financial sustainability.
Verheijen explained that expanding access to smart meters would reduce the widespread practice of estimated billing, improve transparency in electricity charges, boost revenue collection by distribution companies, and ultimately lead to better service delivery for electricity consumers.
She added that the first phase of the programme will commence in Abuja in July 2026 before it is extended to the six geopolitical zones.
Under the initiative, participants will undergo intensive technical training conducted by the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), while the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) will oversee certification and ensure compliance with industry standards.
Upon successful completion of the training, graduates will be connected with employment opportunities through electricity distribution companies, meter manufacturers, service providers, and other stakeholders within the power sector.
Speaking on the initiative, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described Power Force as a programme that combines youth empowerment with improved electricity access across the country.
He said the initiative would create jobs for young Nigerians while supporting efforts to strengthen electricity infrastructure in every state of the federation.
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said developing a skilled workforce remains essential to achieving lasting reforms in the electricity sector.
“A stronger power sector begins with skilled people. Power Force invests in Nigerian talent to power our nation’s future,” he said.
Also speaking, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the programme demonstrates the administration’s commitment to equipping young Nigerians with practical skills that can lead directly to employment.
“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,” he said.
Verheijen further noted that expanding electricity metering would help rebuild public confidence in the sector by ensuring consumers are billed only for the energy they consume.
“Metering restores trust. When customers pay only for what they use, revenues improve, investment follows, and service gets better. Power Force helps us scale that progress faster,” she said.
Applications for the first cohort of trainees will open on July 4, 2026, and remain open for two weeks.
