President Bola Tinubu has announced the launch of a nationwide training programme for 5,000 young Nigerians as meter installers and technicians under the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), as part of efforts to address the country’s metering deficit, create jobs and improve electricity supply.
The President disclosed the initiative in a statement posted on his verified X handle on Thursday, describing the programme, known as The Power Force, as a key component of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at expanding employment opportunities for young people while strengthening Nigeria’s electricity sector.
According to Tinubu, the programme is designed to equip participants with practical technical skills and connect them to sustainable employment opportunities within the power industry.
“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 said.
Tinubu explained that the training programme would be 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).
He emphasised that expanding access to electricity meters remains central to improving transparency, efficiency and service delivery across the country’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.
The President disclosed that he had 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 implementation of the programme within the next 30 days.
He noted that beyond addressing the country’s metering shortfall, the initiative would empower young Nigerians with marketable technical skills while supporting broader efforts to eliminate estimated billing and improve electricity access nationwide.
Tinubu encouraged eligible youths to take advantage of the opportunity, describing the programme as a pathway to dignified employment and national development.
“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,” he added.
The Presidential Metering Initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electricity value chain, improving revenue collection by distribution companies and ensuring consumers are billed accurately based on actual electricity consumption.