BREAKING: Tinubu launches training programme for 5,000 youths under Presidential Metering Initiative

Economy & Policy, Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a new skills acquisition programme that will train 5,000 young Nigerians, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), as meter installers and technicians under the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI).

The President, in a statement titled “Jobs for Our Young People Remain Central to Our Renewed Hope Agenda,” said the initiative forms part of his administration’s efforts to create employment opportunities while addressing Nigeria’s electricity metering deficit.

According to Tinubu, the Presidential Metering Initiative was established to bridge the country’s metering gap, eliminate estimated billing, protect electricity consumers and strengthen the nation’s power sector.

“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,” the President said.

He described the programme as more than a job creation initiative, saying it is designed to equip young Nigerians with practical technical skills that will prepare them for sustainable employment.

“This programme is about jobs, skills and dignity,” Tinubu said.

“It will equip young Nigerians with practical technical skills and connect them to real work in a sector that touches every home, every business and every community in our country.”

The training programme is open to eligible Nigerians who have completed their secondary school education, with a dedicated quota reserved for members of the National Youth Service Corps.

The President noted that expanding access to electricity meters remains a key component of his administration’s power sector reform agenda.

According to him, proper metering will ensure consumers pay only for the electricity they use while improving transparency and efficiency in electricity distribution.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu added that the initiative would contribute to building a more efficient and sustainable electricity market that benefits both consumers and investors.

“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 said.

The President disclosed that he has directed the Presidential Metering Initiative to work with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) and other relevant stakeholders to commence the programme within the next 30 days.

He encouraged eligible young Nigerians to apply for the training via http://pmi.naptin.gov.ng

“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,” Tinubu said.