Tinubu Launches ‘Power Force’ To Train 5,000 Youth For Nationwide Smart Meter Rollout

President Bola Tinubu has launched Power Force, a national initiative aimed at training 5,000 young Nigerians to support the accelerated deployment of smart electricity meters across the country as part of efforts to strengthen power sector reforms and create employment opportunities.

The initiative, which will be implemented through the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, is designed to bridge critical skills gaps in meter installation while expanding opportunities for young Nigerians within the electricity value chain.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Executive Secretary of the Presidential Metering Initiative, Olu Verheijen, the programme forms part of the Tinubu administration’s broader strategy to improve the performance and financial sustainability of Nigeria’s electricity sector.

She noted that increased metering would help reduce estimated billing, improve transparency in electricity charges, strengthen revenue collection, and support better service delivery.

The first phase of the programme is scheduled to begin in Abuja in July 2026, before expanding to the six geopolitical zones.

Participants will receive intensive technical training from the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), while certification and compliance standards will be supervised by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA).

Successful trainees will subsequently be linked with employment opportunities through electricity distribution companies, meter providers, and other industry partners.

Speaking on the initiative, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described Power Force as “a federation initiative that connects opportunity with impact, creating jobs for young Nigerians while strengthening electricity access in every state.”

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said the programme would help build the skilled workforce needed to transform 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 said.

Also commenting, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the initiative reflected the administration’s commitment to creating 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.

Verheijen said the initiative would also improve consumer confidence in the electricity market by expanding access to accurate metering.

“Metering restores trust. When customers pay only for what they use, revenues improve, investment follows, and service gets better. Power Force helps us scale that progress faster,” she said.

Applications for the first cohort will open on 4 July 2026 and remain open for two weeks.