PRESIDENT TINUBU LAUNCHES POWER FORCE TO TRAIN 5,000 YOUNG NIGERIANS, ACCELERATE SMART METER ROLLOUT
…Initiative to create jobs, expand metering access, and strengthen power sector reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched Power Force, a new national initiative that will train 5,000 young Nigerians to support the accelerated deployment of smart electricity meters across the country, create employment opportunities, and strengthen ongoing power sector reforms.
The programme, implemented through the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), a federation led initiative with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, is a practical intervention designed to close critical skills gaps in meter installation while expanding opportunities for young Nigerians to participate directly in national development.
Power Force forms part of the administration’s broader effort to improve the performance and financial sustainability of the electricity sector. Expanded metering will help reduce estimated billing, improve transparency in customer charges, strengthen revenue collection, and support better service delivery over time.
The initiative also advances President Tinubu’s commitment to job creation and youth empowerment by equipping participants with practical technical skills, recognised certification, and pathways to employment and entrepreneurship within the power value chain.
The first phase of the programme will commence in Abuja in July 2026, with subsequent rollout across the six geopolitical zones.
Participants will undergo intensive technical training delivered by the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), while certification and compliance standards will be overseen by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA). Successful trainees will be connected to deployment opportunities with distribution companies, meter providers, and other industry partners
Speaking on the initiative, Chairman Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said, “Power Force is a federation initiative that connects opportunity with impact, creating jobs for young Nigerians while strengthening electricity access in every state.”
The Honourable Minister of Power, Honourable Joseph Tegbe, said “A stronger power sector begins with skilled people. Power Force invests in Nigerian talent to power our nations future”
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Honourable Ayodele Olawande, said the programme reflects the administration’s commitment to creating practical opportunities for young Nigerians.
“Young Nigerians want opportunity, not handouts. Power Force gives them practical skills, recognised certification, and a direct pathway to meaningful work that supports national development.”
According to the Executive Secretary PMI, Mrs. Olu Arowolo Verheijen, “Metering restores trust. When customers pay only for what they use, revenues improve, investment follows, and service gets better. Power Force helps us scale that progress faster.”
Applications for the first cohort will open on 4 July 2026 and remains open for two weeks.
For eligibility criteria and programme details, visit https://t.co/duGjyb5EjU or apply via https://t.co/lOdun8xhzX
Mrs. Olu Verheijen
Executive Secretary
Presidential Metering Initiative
July 2, 2026
PRESS STATEMENT
PRESIDENT TINUBU LAUNCHES POWER FORCE TO TRAIN 5,000 YOUNG NIGERIANS, ACCELERATE SMART METER ROLLOUT
…Initiative to create jobs, expand metering access, and strengthen power sector reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched Power Force, a new national initiative that will train 5,000 young Nigerians to support the accelerated deployment of smart electricity meters across the country, create employment opportunities, and strengthen ongoing power sector reforms.
The programme, implemented through the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), a federation led initiative with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, is a practical intervention designed to close critical skills gaps in meter installation while expanding opportunities for young Nigerians to participate directly in national development.
Power Force forms part of the administration’s broader effort to improve the performance and financial sustainability of the electricity sector. Expanded metering will help reduce estimated billing, improve transparency in customer charges, strengthen revenue collection, and support better service delivery over time.
The initiative also advances President Tinubu’s commitment to job creation and youth empowerment by equipping participants with practical technical skills, recognised certification, and pathways to employment and entrepreneurship within the power value chain.
The first phase of the programme will commence in Abuja in July 2026, with subsequent rollout across the six geopolitical zones.
Participants will undergo intensive technical training delivered by the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), while certification and compliance standards will be overseen by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA). Successful trainees will be connected to deployment opportunities with distribution companies, meter providers, and other industry partners
Speaking on the initiative, Chairman Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said, “Power Force is a federation initiative that connects opportunity with impact, creating jobs for young Nigerians while strengthening electricity access in every state.”
The Honourable Minister of Power, Honourable Joseph Tegbe, said “A stronger power sector begins with skilled people. Power Force invests in Nigerian talent to power our nations future”
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Honourable Ayodele Olawande, said the programme reflects the administration’s commitment to creating practical opportunities for young Nigerians.
“Young Nigerians want opportunity, not handouts. Power Force gives them practical skills, recognised certification, and a direct pathway to meaningful work that supports national development.”
According to the Executive Secretary PMI, Mrs. Olu Arowolo Verheijen, “Metering restores trust. When customers pay only for what they use, revenues improve, investment follows, and service gets better. Power Force helps us scale that progress faster.”
Applications for the first cohort will open on 4 July 2026 and remains open for two weeks.
For eligibility criteria and programme details, visit https://t.co/jjV8iZRmGI or apply via https://t.co/1WKG0Sr7w8
Mrs. Olu Verheijen
Executive Secretary
Presidential Metering Initiative
July 2, 2026
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Metering is also central to making power more available to Nigerians.
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.
Jobs for our young people remain central to our Renewed Hope Agenda.
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.
ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, ON HIS NOMINATION AS APC PRESIDENTIAL FLAG BEARER FOR THE 2027 ELECTION DELIVERED ON SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2026, AT THE BOLA AHMED TINUBU INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE, ABUJA.
The Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) is a flagship infrastructure program launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to close Nigeria’s metering gap.
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
WE'RE TAKING POWER VERY SERIOUSLY TO ENHANCE THE LIVELIHOODS OF NIGERIANS, PRESIDENT TINUBU TELLS SIEMENS
President Bola Tinubu, on Monday in Abuja, assured the technical contractor handling the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), Siemens Energy, of the government's full commitment to improving the country's electricity supply and enhancing livelihoods.
At a meeting at the State House with a delegation from Siemens Energy, led by Dietmar Siersdorfer, Managing Director of Middle East and Africa, President Tinubu noted that the power sector remains central to stimulating the economy, particularly in the industrial, educational, and healthcare sectors.
The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, the coordinating minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the Special Adviser on Energy, Olu Verheijen, attended the meeting.
The President stated that the completion of the phased power project will give Nigeria a place of pride on the continent by harnessing the latent potential in human and material resources across various sectors.
"There is no industrial growth or economic development without power. I believe that power is the most significant discovery of humanity in the last 1,000 years.
"I appreciate the partnership on the initiative. The progress of the project to date is notable, and we can feel it. But it is not where we want it to be.
"We appreciate the support and commitment of the German government and Siemens. The investment you are making and your commitment align with the future of this country.
"Our education, our health care and our transportation all depend on energy and without power, it is an impossible objective. We are taking it very seriously,'' he added.
The President also directed the expansion of some major transformer substations from two to three phases to boost the country's power supply.
"We are all inspired and happy. This is what we want to achieve on the continent. We want everyone to see the glory of our economic recovery and banishment of poverty,'' he said.
The President assured the delegation that the government will continue to provide the needed resources for the power project.
The Power Minister, Adelabu, stated that the power sector had achieved many critical milestones, including the decentralisation and liberalisation of the sector.
He noted that the President signed the Electricity Act 2023, and a National Integrated Electricity Policy was developed after 24 years, attracting more than $2 2billiopn of fresh investments.
The minister noted that the policy had resulted in the activation of fifteen state electricity markets.
"Since the signing of the Accelerated Agreement at COP28 in Dubai in December 2023, an event you personally attended alongside the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the PPI has recorded notable milestones across its implementation phases.
``Under the Pilot phase (Phase Zero), we have achieved significant infrastructure upgrades and capacity enhancements that are already impacting grid stability and reliability across the country.
``Siemens Energy has successfully delivered and commissioned 10 units of 132/33kV mobile substations, three units of 75/100MVA transformers, and seven units of 60/66MVA transformers across key load centres nationwide, which have added 984mv of transmission capacity to the grid,'' the minister stated.
Adelabu informed the President that in December 2024, the Federal Executive Council approved the commencement of the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract for Phase One, Batch One of the PPI…..
📊 Nigeria’s Metering Progress: July & August 2025 at a Glance
According to the latest NERC Metering Factsheet, the total number of active customers across all Distribution Companies (DisCos) increased from 11.89 million in July to 11.96 million in August 2025.
Out of these, 6.58 million customers were metered, resulting in a metering rate of 55.01%, up slightly from 54.71% in July.
A total of 70,888 customers were newly metered in August, compared to 76,783 in July, reflecting ongoing metering efforts across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
💡 Top performing DisCos (Metering Rate ≥ 70%)
Eko: 84.25%
Ikeja: 84.83%
Abuja: 73.92%
These figures highlight gradual progress in closing Nigeria’s metering gap and improving transparency and billing accuracy for electricity consumers.
📄 For the full breakdown by DisCo, see the NERC July & August 2025 Factsheet.
#NERC #MeteringFactsheet #MeteringProgress #PowerSector #ElectricityData #NESI #EnergySector #Nigeria #PowerFacts #ElectricityAccess #DistributionCompanies #ConsumerProtection
Day 2 of @ADIPECOfficial 2025, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Mrs. @OluVerheijen , participated in a high-level panel session titled “Incentivising Sustainable Growth Through Government Energy Policies.”
She was joined by H.E. Khalifa Abdulsadek, Minister of Oil & Gas, Government of National Unity, Libya, Hon. Chiekh Niane, Vice Minister of Energy, Petroleum & Mines, Senegal; and H.E. Jimena Latorre, Minister of Energy & Environment, Government of Mendoza, Argentina.
Moderated by John Defterios, the panel explored how governments can design effective energy policies that attract investment, support energy transition, and promote long-term sustainable growth.
#ADIPEC2025 #Nigeria #EnergyTransition #Sustainability #GlobalEnergy #Leadership
“I spoke with @bloomberg on the sidelines of #ADIPEC2025 in Abu Dhabi, to discuss our energy reforms and the success we’ve seen so far: over $8 billion in committed upstream investments (FIDs) since 2024, with another $20 billion on the way over the next few years, as we deepen the reforms. Excerpt:”
We are pleased to welcome Olubukola Arowolo Verheijen, Special Adviser on Energy to the President of Nigeria, to the Strategic Conference Finance & Investment programme at ADIPEC 2025, where collaboration is transforming the investment landscape.
As financial and energy priorities converge, strategic partnerships are unlocking capital and accelerating investment into resilient, low-carbon infrastructure. Explore how joint ventures, infrastructure funds and public-private collaborations are creating new pathways for impact-driven growth.
Join us at ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi from 3-6 November 2025 for conversations that are shaping the future of energy.
Register as a delegate to benefit from this year’s enhanced networking opportunities: https://t.co/UeIFDNighc
#ADIPEC #ADNOC #GlobalStrategy #FutureOfEnergy
Commissioning of the Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) Crude Export Terminal;
Celebrating Excellence and Indigenous Leadership in Energy 🇳🇬
It gives me great pleasure to congratulate my dear brother, Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe, former Special Adviser on Energy and Strategic Matters to President Olusegun Obasanjo, and an illustrious son of @OndoStateOnline , on the successful launch of the $400 million Otakikpo Onshore Crude Oil Export Terminal by Green Energy International Limited.
This first wholly indigenous facility of its kind in over five decades is a landmark achievement, showcasing visionary leadership, technical depth, and Nigeria’s growing capacity to deliver world-class energy infrastructure.
I celebrate this milestone with deep admiration. It perfectly embodies President @officialABAT Renewed Hope Agenda, which champions indigenous participation, innovation, and sustainable growth across the energy value chain.
Congratulations once again, my dear brother, for setting a shining example of impact, integrity, and excellence, and for making @OndoStateOnline , and indeed all Nigerians, proud.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY THE SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE PRESIDENT ON ENERGY- MRS. OLU AROWOLO VERHEIJEN AT THE 3RD GAS INVESTMENT FORUM – LAGOS, NIGERIA ON TUESDAY, 8THOCTOBER 2025
Theme: “Charting New Opportunities for Investment, Growth & Industrialization.”
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it’s a privilege to address this distinguished gathering of policymakers, investors, and industry leaders, united by a shared conviction that gas is not only Nigeria’s opportunity, but Africa’s bridge to energy security, industrialization, and sustainable growth.
For decades, our national energy story was defined by oil, its exploration, exports, and volatility. Gas, though abundant, remained on the margins. That era is now over. Under President @officialABAT leadership, gas has been placed at the heart of Nigeria’s growth strategy.
The creation of Nigeria’s first-ever cabinet position dedicated to gas led by Rt. Hon. @Ekperikpe001 signaled a decisive shift from rhetoric to action.
A defining feature of the President’s approach has been the use of bold, targeted Presidential Directives to unlock long-delayed opportunities. After more than two decades of delay, the NLNG supply projects were finally brought to life, culminating in the historic signing of 1.3 BCF/D, 20-year Gas Supply Agreements in August.
This breakthrough secures long-term feedstock for LNG exports, restores investor confidence, and unlocks billions of dollars in previously stalled gas investments. It marks a new era of reliability and growth for Nigeria’s gas industry.
Our strategy goes beyond announcements. It combines generous fiscal incentives for gas infrastructure with the catalytic power of the Midstream & Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF). By de-risking private investment and co-financing pipelines, processing plants, and distribution networks, these measures are transforming Nigeria’s gas economy at scale.
The impact is clear:
Industrial Feedstock: Fertiliser plants, methanol producers, and power projects now enjoy a more reliable and affordable gas supply, boosting productivity and industrial growth.
Revenue Upside: For the Federation and @nnpclimited , these reforms stabilize earnings, diversify revenue away from oil, and build a more resilient fiscal base.
Gas is no longer a stranded resource; it is now a strategic engine of industrialization and national renewal.
Nigeria’s daily gas production has risen to 7.6 BSCFD, an 8.6% increase over last year. We are firmly on track to meet the President’s 12 BSCFD target by 2030. On the domestic front, the National Clean Cooking Policy aims for 54% LPG access and 10 million cylinders by 2030. Already, Seplat Energy has delivered 12,600 metric tons of LPG for local use from the Bonny River Terminal, previously export-only, signaling a new era for Nigeria’s domestic LPG market.
Three priorities will define our next phase of progress:
a. Infrastructure as the Backbone of Growth- The Tinubu administration is prioritizing strategic investments in pipelines, processing facilities, and LNG terminals. The AKK pipeline, nearing completion, will unlock new corridors of industrial opportunity across northern Nigeria.
b. Balancing Domestic Needs with Global Ambition- Nigeria’s gas strategy is both domestic and global, ensuring affordable gas for power, industries, and households, while fully leveraging global export markets.
c. Human Capital and Inclusion- Infrastructure alone will not deliver transformation; we must also invest in people. Yet today, a critical gap remains, our energy sector does not reflect the full strength and diversity of our nation. Women make up less than 20% of the workforce and only a small fraction of leadership roles.
Closing this gap is not just a matter of equity; it is a strategic necessity. We cannot build the energy future we envision without harnessing the full potential of our talent, men and women alike. Building the next generation of engineers, operators, and innovators must therefore go hand in hand with empowering women to lead and shape this transformation. A more inclusive sector will not only be fairer, but it will also be more competitive, more innovative, and more sustainable, strengthening Nigeria’s position as a leader in Africa’s energy future.
Distinguished guests, Nigeria’s true potential lies not in the gas beneath our soil, but in the value, we create from it. Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we are shifting from resource wealth to shared prosperity. When we say Nigeria is open for business, it is not a slogan, it is a promise.
We are charting new maps for investment, building the infrastructure of opportunity, and transforming gas into a catalyst for inclusive, sustainable growth. Together, we can end gas flaring, bring non-associated gas to the centre of our story, and position Nigeria as Africa’s leading energy and industrial hub.
Together, we are turning Nigeria’s gas wealth into national prosperity, fueling our industries, empowering our people, and shaping a cleaner, more resilient future for generations to come.
Thank you.
Mrs. Olu Verheijen
Special Adviser to the President on Energy