President Tinubu launches Power Force to train 5,000 young Nigerians in smart meter installation, with applications opening July 4, 2026.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched Power Force, a national initiative that will train 5,000 young Nigerians to support the accelerated deployment of smart electricity meters across the country, create employment and strengthen ongoing power sector reforms.
The programme is implemented through the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), a federation-led initiative with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, designed to close critical skills gaps in meter installation while expanding opportunities for young Nigerians to participate directly in national development.
What the programme will do
Power Force forms part of the administration’s broader effort to improve the performance and financial sustainability of the electricity sector. Expanded metering is expected to reduce estimated billing, improve transparency in customer charges, strengthen revenue collection and support better service delivery.
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). Successful trainees will be connected to deployment opportunities with distribution companies, meter providers and other industry partners.
The first phase commences in Abuja in July 2026, with rollout across all six geopolitical zones to follow.
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described the initiative as one that connects opportunity to impact.
“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 framed the initiative as a long-term investment in human capital.
“A stronger power sector begins with skilled people. Power Force invests in Nigerian talent to power our nation’s future,” Tegbe said.
Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande said the programme reflects the administration’s commitment to creating practical, not cosmetic, 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,” Olawande said.
PMI Executive Secretary Mrs. Olu Arowolo Verheijen tied the metering push directly to sector viability.
“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.
Beyond direct employment with distribution companies and meter providers, the initiative aims to equip trainees with skills and certification that open pathways to entrepreneurship within the power value chain positioning Power Force as a workforce development programme with commercial applications beyond the immediate deployment cycle.
How to apply
Applications for the first cohort open on July 4, 2026 and remain open for two weeks. Eligibility criteria and programme details are available at pmi.com.ng or via pmi.naptin.gov.ng.
