President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled the Tinubu Power Force initiative, a new national programme designed to train 5,000 young Nigerians to support the accelerated deployment of smart electricity meters across the country while creating employment opportunities and strengthening ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s power sector.
The initiative, which will be implemented under the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, aims to bridge critical technical skills gaps in electricity meter installation while empowering young Nigerians with practical career opportunities.
According to the Presidency, the programme forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to improve electricity service delivery, enhance transparency in electricity billing, and promote financial sustainability within the power sector.
Improving Electricity Access and Metering
The government said expanding smart meter deployment remains a key priority in addressing long-standing challenges associated with estimated billing, revenue leakages, and customer dissatisfaction.
Officials explained that wider access to prepaid smart meters would ensure electricity consumers are billed only for energy actually consumed, thereby restoring public confidence in the sector.
The initiative is also expected to strengthen revenue collection by electricity distribution companies while creating a more transparent and efficient billing system that benefits both consumers and service providers.
Youth Empowerment Through Technical Skills
A major objective of the programme is to provide practical employment opportunities for young Nigerians through technical training and industry certification.
Successful participants will receive intensive hands-on training in electricity meter installation and maintenance before being connected to employment opportunities within the power sector.
The Federal Government noted that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s broader economic agenda focused on job creation, youth development, entrepreneurship, and skills acquisition.
Training Begins in July
The first phase of the programme will commence in Abuja in July 2026, with subsequent expansion across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Technical training will be delivered by the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), while certification standards and compliance oversight will be handled by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA).
Upon completion of the programme, successful trainees will be linked with electricity distribution companies (DisCos), smart meter manufacturers, and other private sector partners for deployment opportunities.
The government believes this partnership-driven model will not only improve the availability of qualified installers but also stimulate job creation throughout the electricity value chain.
Government Officials Highlight Programme Benefits
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described the initiative as a nationwide intervention that combines youth employment with improved electricity access.
He said Power Force would create opportunities for thousands of young Nigerians while strengthening electricity services across all states of the federation.
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said developing skilled manpower remains essential to achieving lasting improvements in Nigeria’s electricity sector.
According to him, investing in Nigerian talent will help build a stronger and more sustainable power industry capable of supporting national economic growth.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, also described the programme as evidence of the administration’s commitment to providing meaningful opportunities rather than temporary interventions.
He said the initiative offers young Nigerians practical technical skills, recognised certification, and direct pathways to sustainable employment.
Executive Secretary of the Presidential Metering Initiative, Mrs. Olu Arowolo Verheijen, added that wider deployment of smart meters would improve trust between electricity providers and consumers by ensuring customers pay only for the electricity they use.
She noted that improved metering would boost sector revenues, attract further investment, and ultimately lead to better electricity services nationwide.
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Applications Open July 4
Applications for the first batch of participants will open on July 4, 2026, and remain available for two weeks.
Interested applicants can access eligibility requirements and application details through the official Presidential Metering Initiative portal.
The Federal Government said the programme represents another step towards modernising Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure while equipping thousands of young Nigerians with valuable technical skills that can support long-term careers in the energy sector.
