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The Federal Government has officially launched the Power Force Programme under the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), unveiling a nationwide plan to train 5,000 young Nigerians as certified smart meter installation technicians to accelerate metering, improve electricity revenue collection and create employment opportunities.
Speaking at the launch on Thursday, the Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Tegbe, said the initiative represents a major step in the Tinubu administration's drive to transform the electricity sector by investing in both infrastructure and human capital.
Describing the programme as a landmark intervention, Tegbe said the government was deliberately building the skilled workforce needed to close Nigeria's metering gap and strengthen the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
"The Power Force Programme is a landmark initiative that embodies our collective determination to transform Nigeria's electricity sector by investing both in infrastructure and people," he said.
The minister explained that inadequate metering remains one of the biggest obstacles to the financial viability of the power sector, noting that inaccurate measurement of electricity consumption has led to revenue losses, weakened investment and poor service delivery.
"Where electricity consumed cannot be accurately measured, revenue cannot be accurately collected. Where revenue is uncertain, investments decline, infrastructure deteriorates and ultimately consumers suffer," Tegbe stated.
He stressed that closing the metering gap is central to the Federal Government's ongoing electricity reforms, adding that smart meters would eliminate estimated billing, improve transparency and restore consumer confidence.
According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration is committed to ensuring that consumers pay only for electricity actually consumed while electricity providers receive payment for power genuinely supplied.
"Metering removes disputes. It replaces estimation with accuracy, uncertainty with confidence and suspicion with trust. It empowers consumers to manage their electricity usage while providing DisCos with reliable revenue streams to improve service delivery," he said.
The minister also praised the recent decision by the Association of Meter Asset Providers of Nigeria (AMMON) to withdraw its court action against stakeholders in the metering programme, describing the move as a breakthrough that would fast-track meter deployment across the country.
He commended the Presidential Metering Initiative, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Meter Asset Providers and other stakeholders for resolving the dispute through dialogue.
Tegbe noted that a shortage of qualified technicians has long hindered efforts to bridge the country's metering gap, making the Power Force Programme a strategic investment in the future of the power sector.
"Meters do not install themselves. Behind every successful metering programme must stand thousands of competent, certified and dedicated technicians," he said.
He disclosed that the first batch of 5,000 trainees would form the backbone of Nigeria's smart metering workforce, helping to ensure that millions of homes and businesses receive professionally installed meters that meet approved technical and safety standards.
Beyond improving electricity services, the minister said the programme would create jobs, promote local content, equip young Nigerians with marketable technical skills and stimulate economic growth.
He urged the trainees to take the programme seriously, saying they would play a critical role in Nigeria's economic transformation.
"The skills you acquire here will not only shape your careers but will contribute directly to Nigeria's economic transformation," he said.
The minister assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains committed to building a more transparent, accountable and sustainable electricity sector capable of delivering reliable power supply.
He thereafter declared the programme officially open on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
"I hereby, on behalf of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, officially flag off the Power Force Training Programme," Tegbe declared.