The Federal Government has unveiled a major training initiative aimed at developing 6,000 energy professionals across Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s electricity and power sector.
The programme, launched under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), was officially inaugurated through the Siemens Energy Education and Development (SEED) training centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Government officials described the initiative as a long-term investment in human capital designed to support ongoing reforms and infrastructure upgrades within Nigeria’s energy industry.
FG Says Skilled Workforce Key to Power Sector Growth
Speaking during the inauguration, Samaila Nasiru, Director of Human Resources Management at the Federal Ministry of Power, said the launch of the training facility goes beyond infrastructure development.
According to him, while the Federal Government is investing heavily in transmission and distribution projects under the Presidential Power Initiative, sustainable improvement in electricity supply also depends on developing skilled professionals capable of managing modern energy systems.
Nasiru explained that the five-year programme is expected to equip thousands of Nigerians with technical expertise required to operate, maintain and improve complex power infrastructure nationwide.
Programme to Offer International Certifications
Officials disclosed that the training programme will be implemented in partnership with key regulatory and technical institutions including:
- Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN)
- Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA)
- ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE)
The collaboration is expected to provide participants with internationally recognised certifications that could improve employability both within Nigeria and across the ECOWAS region.
Training Centres Across Nigeria
Managing Director of FGN Power Company, Kenny Anuwe, said the initiative forms part of broader plans to modernise Nigeria’s power sector through local capacity development.
He noted that training will take place across several locations including:
- Abeokuta
- Offa
- Ibadan
- Ayede
- Birnin Kebbi
- Sokoto
Additional training centres are also expected to be developed in partnership with the Federal Government and international stakeholders.
Siemens Energy, EU and German Government Back Initiative
The programme is receiving support from several international partners including:
- Siemens Energy
- European Union
- German Government
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
Speaking at the event, Siemens Energy Nigeria Managing Director, Sheu Suleman, described the project as an important part of ongoing reforms within Nigeria’s energy sector.
He stated that beyond improving infrastructure, the initiative would also encourage technology transfer, technical knowledge development and reduction of operational losses within the power system.
Why the Programme Matters
Nigeria has continued to face electricity supply challenges despite repeated investments in power generation and transmission infrastructure.
Experts believe one of the major problems affecting the sector is the shortage of highly trained technical personnel capable of managing modern energy systems efficiently.
The new SEED initiative is therefore expected to:
Improve technical manpower
Create employment opportunities
Strengthen local expertise
Support long-term energy sector reforms
Analysts also say the programme could position Nigeria as a regional centre for technical training within West Africa’s energy industry.
- Punchng