Government Launches Training for Smart Electricity Meter Installers
The Federal Government has initiated the first phase of the Power Force Programme, selecting 5,000 young Nigerians to become certified smart electricity meter installers from a pool of approximately 220,000 applicants.
Empowering the Workforce Through the Presidential Metering Initiative
This initiative, part of the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), is designed to cultivate a skilled workforce to expedite the nationwide rollout of smart electricity meters while simultaneously generating employment opportunities for the youth in Nigeria.
Commencement of Intensive Training Program
The launch ceremony, which took place at the headquarters of the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) in Abuja, marked the start of a three-week intensive training program that combines practical experience and classroom instruction for the selected trainees. Upon completion, these participants will be deployed across the country as certified meter installers.
Significance of Trainees in Power Sector Reform
During the event, Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe emphasized the critical role that these trained individuals will play in enhancing Nigeria’s power sector. He stated that a successful metering program relies on the expertise of numerous skilled and devoted technicians. The 5,000 trainees will serve as a foundational workforce for Nigeria’s smart metering initiatives.
Focus on Job Creation and Skills Development
Tegbe highlighted that the Power Force program exemplifies that reforming the power sector encompasses not only technology but also job creation, skills development, and the improvement of livelihoods. He affirmed that advancements in electricity will lead to broader opportunities, nurturing human capital and securing better futures for citizens.
Collaboration and Expansion of the Initiative
The Minister commended the Association of Meter Manufacturers of Nigeria (AMMON) for retracting its legal challenge against the metering initiative, which he viewed as a significant advancement toward speeding up the rollout of meters nationwide. Executive Director of the PMI, Olu Verheijen, described this initiative as the most extensive metering program in Nigeria’s history, established by President Bola Tinubu in 2023 to tackle one of the major structural challenges in the power sector. He emphasized that the PMI aims to ensure that all Nigerians pay only for the electricity they actually consume.
Inspiration for Future Generations
Verheijen noted that training these 5,000 installers has the potential to create a ripple effect, encouraging more young Nigerians to enhance their technical skills. He remarked that while one young installer alone cannot alter the landscape, 5,000 can inspire tens of thousands, sparking a broader movement towards technical empowerment.
Call for Broader Support and Certification Standards
Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, urged the state governments to lend support to this initiative and help expand its reach beyond the initial group of 5,000 trainees. Minister of Youth Development, Ayo Olawande, reinforced that the program aligns with the ministry’s ‘One Youth, Two Skills’ initiative, aimed at equipping young Nigerians with relevant technical skills. He noted that this training program is not merely a launch but a vital step towards creating job opportunities for the nation’s youth.
With the Abuja kickoff complete, training will soon extend to various centers across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Successful participants will receive official certification from the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Authority (NEMSA), validating their adherence to national and international standards in competency and safety for electricity meter installations. Other notable attendees at the event included Ayo Gbelei, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Ahmed Bolaji Nagode, Managing Director of NAPTIN, and Michael Adesayo, Managing Director of NEMSA.
