The Federal Government has commenced the training of 5,000 young Nigerians as smart electricity meter installers under the newly launched Power Force initiative, a programme designed to improve electricity access, reduce estimated billing and create employment opportunities across the country.
Eko Hot News reports that the initiative is being implemented through the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. The programme aims to close critical skills gaps in smart meter installation while accelerating the nationwide rollout of electricity meters.
The programme forms part of the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s power sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Officials say expanding smart metering will improve transparency in electricity billing, strengthen revenue collection and enhance service delivery for electricity consumers nationwide.
The Executive Secretary of the Presidential Metering Initiative, Mrs. Olu Verheijen, said the programme will equip participants with practical technical skills and recognised industry certification.
She explained that the initiative is expected to create employment opportunities across the electricity value chain while supporting the country’s metering expansion programme.
According to the Federal Government, the first phase of the training will commence in Abuja before expanding across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Successful participants will undergo intensive technical training delivered by the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN).
Certification and compliance standards for the programme will be supervised by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA).
Officials said the certification process is designed to ensure that trainees meet national technical standards required for professional smart meter installation.
Upon completing the programme, successful trainees will be connected with employment opportunities through electricity distribution companies, smart meter providers and other industry partners.
The government believes the initiative will provide practical career pathways for thousands of young Nigerians seeking opportunities in the power sector.
Speaking on the importance of the programme, Verheijen noted that wider deployment of smart meters would strengthen trust between electricity providers and consumers.
She explained that accurate metering allows customers to pay for actual electricity consumed, improves industry efficiency and encourages greater investment in the sector.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described Power Force as a national initiative that combines employment generation with improved electricity access.
He said the programme would help create meaningful jobs while supporting better electricity services across all states of the federation.
Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe also described the initiative as an investment in Nigeria’s human capital.
According to him, building a stronger electricity sector requires skilled professionals capable of supporting modern energy infrastructure.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the programme reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to creating practical opportunities for young Nigerians.
He noted that the initiative focuses on skills acquisition, professional certification and sustainable employment rather than short-term interventions.
Applications for the first batch of participants opened shortly after the programme was launched.
Eligible applicants are expected to meet the programme’s requirements before proceeding to technical training and certification.
Industry experts believe the initiative will help reduce Nigeria’s metering gap while improving customer confidence in electricity billing.
They also noted that increased deployment of smart meters will contribute to greater transparency within the electricity distribution system.
Analysts say improved metering can reduce disputes over estimated billing and strengthen operational efficiency for electricity distribution companies.
The Federal Government expects the programme to support ongoing reforms aimed at modernising Nigeria’s electricity sector.
Officials also believe the initiative will encourage entrepreneurship by enabling certified installers to establish businesses within the growing energy services market.
The Power Force programme aligns with broader national efforts to strengthen technical education, improve workforce capacity and stimulate economic growth.
It also reflects the government’s strategy of combining infrastructure development with youth empowerment and job creation.
As implementation progresses nationwide, stakeholders expect the initiative to contribute significantly to expanding electricity access while creating new opportunities for skilled young Nigerians.
The Federal Government expressed confidence that the programme will not only improve the country’s metering infrastructure but also support long-term economic development through employment, innovation and technical capacity building in the power sector.
