President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched Power Force, a national initiative aimed at training 5,000 young Nigerians to accelerate the deployment of smart electricity meters, create employment opportunities, and strengthen ongoing reforms in the country’s power sector.
The programme, implemented through the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, is designed to address critical skills shortages in meter installation while creating pathways for young Nigerians to contribute to national development.
According to the Presidency, the initiative forms part of the administration’s broader efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to improve the performance and financial sustainability of the electricity sector. It is also expected to reduce estimated billing, improve transparency in electricity charges, strengthen revenue collection, and enhance service delivery through expanded access to smart metering.
Beyond improving power sector efficiency, Power Force seeks to equip participants with practical technical skills, industry-recognised certification, and opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship within the electricity value chain.
The first phase of the programme is scheduled to commence in Abuja in July 2026, with subsequent implementation across the six geopolitical zones. Participants will receive technical training from the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), while the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) will oversee certification and compliance. Successful trainees will be linked with electricity distribution companies, meter providers, and other industry partners for deployment opportunities.
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described Power Force as a federation-wide initiative that connects employment opportunities with improved electricity access across the country.
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said the programme demonstrates the government’s commitment to developing skilled manpower capable of driving Nigeria’s energy future.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, noted that the initiative provides young Nigerians with practical skills, recognised certification, and direct pathways to meaningful employment rather than short-term support.
Executive Secretary of the Presidential Metering Initiative, Olu Arowolo Verheijen, said expanded metering would improve customer confidence, strengthen revenue generation, attract investment, and enhance electricity service delivery nationwide.
Applications for the first cohort will open on 4 July 2026 and remain open for two weeks.
