President Bola Tinubu has unveiled a training programme for 5,000 young Nigerians as meter installers and technicians under the Presidential Metering Initiative, saying the scheme is designed to create jobs, bridge the country’s metering gap and improve electricity supply.
The President announced the initiative in a statement posted on his verified X handle on Thursday, describing the programme, tagged The Power Force, as part of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda to expand employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
According to Tinubu, the initiative will equip participants with practical technical skills while linking them to employment opportunities within Nigeria’s power sector.
“Through the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), which I established to close Nigeria’s metering gap, end estimated billing, protect consumers and strengthen the electricity market, we are opening a new pathway for 5,000 young Nigerians to be trained as meter installers and technicians under The Power Force. This programme is about jobs, skills and dignity,” the President said.
Tinubu explained that the training programme would be open to qualified Nigerians who have completed their secondary school education, with a dedicated quota reserved for members of the National Youth Service Corps.
He stressed that expanding electricity metering remains essential to improving service delivery, promoting transparency and strengthening confidence in the country’s electricity market.
“When homes and businesses are properly metered, Nigerians can pay for what they actually use. When electricity distribution companies collect revenues more transparently and fairly, they are better able to reduce losses, maintain infrastructure, expand connections and invest in better service.
“This is how we build a power sector that is fairer to consumers, stronger for investors and better able to deliver reliable electricity to the Nigerian people,” he said.
The President disclosed that he had directed the Presidential Metering Initiative to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria and other relevant stakeholders to commence the programme within the next 30 days.
He urged eligible young Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunity, saying the initiative would provide marketable technical skills while supporting the government’s efforts to eliminate estimated billing and improve electricity access across the country.
“I encourage eligible young Nigerians to apply. Join The Power Force. Learn a skill. Earn with dignity. Help us end estimated billing and be part of the work to light up Nigeria,” Tinubu added.
