FG Launches ‘Power Force’, to Train 5,000 Youths for Smart Meter Deployment

The Federal Government has unveiled Power Force, a new national initiative aimed at training 5,000 young Nigerians to accelerate the deployment of smart electricity meters across the country, while creating jobs and strengthening ongoing reforms in the power sector.

The programme, launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will be implemented through the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. The first phase is scheduled to begin in Abuja this July before expanding to the six geopolitical zones.

According to the Presidency, the initiative is designed to bridge the shortage of skilled meter installers while equipping young Nigerians with practical technical skills, industry-recognised certification, and employment opportunities within the electricity value chain.

Participants will undergo intensive training at the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), while certification and compliance will be supervised by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA). Successful trainees will be linked with electricity distribution companies, meter manufacturers, and other industry stakeholders for deployment.

The government said the programme forms part of broader efforts to eliminate estimated billing by expanding smart metering nationwide, improving transparency in electricity billing, boosting revenue collection, and enhancing service delivery across the sector.

Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described the initiative as a federation-wide programme that combines youth empowerment with improved access to electricity.

“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.

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said developing skilled manpower is essential to transforming the country’s electricity sector.

“A stronger power sector begins with skilled people. Power Force invests in Nigerian talent to power our nation’s future,” he stated.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, noted that the programme reflects the government’s commitment to providing practical opportunities for young people.

“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.

Also speaking, Executive Secretary of the Presidential Metering Initiative, Mrs. Olu Arowolo Verheijen, said wider metering would restore consumer confidence by ensuring customers pay only for the electricity they consume.

Applications for the first batch of trainees will open on July 4, 2026, and remain open for two weeks through the Presidential Metering Initiative and NAPTIN application portals.