President Tinubu Backs Training for 5,000 Meter Installation Experts

President Bola Tinubu has formally announced a new capacity-building initiative aimed at empowering 5,000 Nigerian youths to become skilled meter installers and technicians. This program, operating under the umbrella of the Presidential Metering Initiative, seeks to generate employment, bridge the national electricity metering deficit, and ultimately enhance power delivery across the country. The President shared this development via a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, identifying the project, named 'The Power Force,' as a key component of his 'Renewed Hope Agenda' designed to broaden job prospects for the nation's youth.

Mr. Tinubu elaborated that the scheme is designed to furnish participants with essential practical technical competencies, subsequently linking them to job openings within Nigeria's burgeoning power industry. He quoted, stating, “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 further specified that the training opportunity will be accessible to qualified Nigerians who possess a secondary school certificate, with a guaranteed allocation for individuals currently serving in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). He emphasized the crucial role of expanding electricity metering in enhancing service provision and fostering transparency within the power sector.

He articulated the benefits, stating, “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.”

President Tinubu confirmed that he has issued directives for the Presidential Metering Initiative to collaborate closely with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), and other pertinent bodies to ensure the commencement of the program within the coming month.

He strongly urged eligible young Nigerians to seize this opportunity, highlighting that the initiative promises to equip them with highly sought-after skills, simultaneously bolstering national efforts to eradicate estimated billing and enhance electricity accessibility across the country. In his closing remarks, he stated, “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.”