President Bola Tinubu has unveiled a new training programme aimed at equipping 5,000 young Nigerians with skills as meter installers and technicians under the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI).
The President said the initiative is designed to create employment opportunities, address Nigeria's metering deficit and improve electricity supply across the country.
Tinubu announced the programme in a statement shared on his verified X handle on Thursday, describing the initiative, known as The Power Force, as part of his administration's Renewed Hope Agenda to empower young Nigerians through job creation and skills development.
According to the President, participants will receive practical technical training and be linked to employment opportunities within Nigeria's electricity 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," Tinubu said.
He explained that the programme is open to qualified Nigerians who have completed their secondary school education, with a dedicated quota reserved for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The President stressed that expanding electricity metering remains essential to improving service delivery and ensuring greater transparency within the nation's power sector.
"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 stated.
Tinubu disclosed that he has directed the Presidential Metering Initiative to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), and other relevant stakeholders to commence the programme within the next 30 days.
He encouraged eligible young Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunity, noting that the initiative would provide valuable technical skills, improve employment prospects and support the government's efforts to eliminate estimated billing while expanding access to reliable electricity 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," the President added.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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