Power Force, a new national initiative started by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will train 5,000 young Nigerians to support the country’s accelerated deployment of smart electricity metres, generate jobs, and bolster ongoing power sector reforms.
This was revealed in a statement given to reporters in Abuja on Thursday by Mrs Olu Verheijen, Executive Secretary of the Presidential Metering Initiative.
The programme, which is carried out through the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), a federation-led initiative with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, is a practical intervention intended to close critical skills gaps in meter installation while increasing opportunities for young Nigerians to directly participate in national development, according to Mrs Verheijen.
The Power Force forms part of the administration’s broader effort to improve the performance and financial sustainability of the electricity sector. Over time, expanded metering will support better service delivery, strengthen revenue collection, lower estimated billing, and increase customer charge transparency.
She claims that by providing participants with real-world technical skills, accredited certification, and routes to employment and entrepreneurship within the power value chain, the programme also advances President Tinubu’s commitment to youth empowerment and job creation.
“The first phase of the programme will commence in Abuja in July 2026, with subsequent rollout across the six geopolitical zones.
“Participants will undergo intensive technical training delivered by the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), while certification and compliance standards will be overseen by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA). Opportunities for deployment with distribution companies, metre providers, and other industry partners will be made available to successful trainees.
Speaking on the initiative, Chairman Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said, “Power Force is a federation initiative that connects opportunity with impact, creating jobs for young Nigerians while strengthening electricity access in every state.”
“A stronger power sector begins with skilled people,” stated Joseph Tegbe, Minister of Power. To power the future of our country, Power Force invests in Nigerian talent.
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Honourable Ayodele Olawande, said the programme reflects the administration’s commitment to creating practical opportunities for young Nigerians.
“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.”
“Metering restores trust,” said Mrs Olu Arowolo Verheijen, Executive Secretary of PMI. When customers pay only for what they use, revenues improve, investment follows, and service gets better. We can scale that progress more quickly thanks to Power Force.
The first cohort’s application period will begin on July 4, 2026, and run for two weeks.
Visit pmi.com.ng or apply at pmi.naptin.gov.ng for programme details and eligibility requirements.
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