By Oke Peter
The Federal Government has launched the Power Force Programme under the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), a new effort to train 5,000 young Nigerians as certified smart meter installers in a move aimed at accelerating the deployment of electricity meters and addressing the country's longstanding metering deficit.
Speaking at the official flag-off of the programme on Thursday, Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Tegbe, said the initiative would strengthen the electricity value chain by providing the skilled workforce required to support the nationwide rollout of smart meters while creating employment opportunities for young people.
According to the minister, inadequate metering remains one of the biggest structural challenges facing Nigeria's electricity sector, contributing significantly to the industry's persistent liquidity crisis.
He explained that the inability to accurately measure electricity consumption has weakened revenue collection, discouraged investment, and slowed improvements in power supply.
"Where electricity consumed cannot be accurately measured, revenue cannot be accurately collected. Where revenue is uncertain, investments decline, infrastructure deteriorates, and ultimately consumers suffer," he said.
Tegbe said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to ensuring that every electricity consumer pays only for energy actually consumed, while service providers receive payment for electricity supplied.
He noted that widespread deployment of smart meters would eliminate estimated billing, improve transparency, strengthen consumer confidence and enhance the financial sustainability of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
The minister also welcomed the recent withdrawal of a court case filed by the Association of Meter Asset Providers of Nigeria (AMMON), describing the decision as a major breakthrough that has removed a key obstacle to the accelerated rollout of electricity meters across the country.
He commended AMMON, the Presidential Metering Initiative, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Meter Asset Providers and other stakeholders for resolving their differences through dialogue.
Tegbe said the newly launched Power Force Programme would address the shortage of qualified personnel required for large-scale meter installations.
"The 5,000 young Nigerians being trained under this initiative will become the backbone of Nigeria's smart metering workforce. They will help ensure that millions of households and businesses receive professionally installed meters that meet the highest technical and safety standards," he said.
•Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Tegbe
Beyond improving electricity service delivery, he said the programme would promote youth employment, build technical capacity, encourage local content development and support economic growth.
The minister urged the first batch of trainees to approach the programme with dedication and professionalism, stressing that their skills would contribute significantly to Nigeria's electricity sector reforms and the country's broader economic development.
The Power Force Programme is being implemented through a partnership involving the Presidential Metering Initiative, the Federal Ministry of Power, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), electricity distribution companies and other industry stakeholders.
