The Federal Government has unveiled plans to train no fewer than 6,000 energy professionals over the next five years as part of efforts to strengthen human capacity and improve efficiency in Nigeria’s power sector.
The initiative, launched under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), was marked by the inauguration of the Siemens Energy Education and Development training facility in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Speaking at the inauguration on Tuesday, the Director of Human Resources Management at the Federal Ministry of Power, Mr. Samaila Nasiru, described the project as a major investment in the future of Nigeria’s energy sector.
According to him, the initiative goes beyond infrastructure upgrades and reflects government’s commitment to building a technically skilled workforce capable of sustaining reforms in the power industry.
“While investments are being made in grid transmission and distribution nationwide under Phase One of the Presidential Power Initiative, infrastructure alone cannot solve our energy challenges. Empowering people with the right technical skills is essential to achieving sustainable progress,” Nasiru said.
He explained that the SEED programme was designed to equip participants with the expertise needed to operate, maintain, and optimise increasingly complex power systems.
“The five-year programme aimed at training 6,000 energy professionals is critical to the development of Nigeria’s power sector. Strengthening local capacity and embedding technical knowledge within our workforce is necessary for long-term success,” he added.
Nasiru further disclosed that the programme would be implemented in partnership with regulatory bodies, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria and the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, enabling trainees to obtain globally recognised certifications.
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the FGN Power Company, Mr. Kenny Anuwe, described the initiative as a strategic investment in human capital that aligns with the Federal Government’s objective of modernising power infrastructure.
He stressed that the success of ongoing investments in transmission and distribution networks depends largely on the availability of competent professionals.
“Today’s event is not just the launch of a training programme; it is an investment in people. We are building the technical competence, professional expertise, and institutional knowledge required to sustain Nigeria’s energy transformation for generations,” Anuwe said.
He noted that the programme would be delivered through partnerships with organisations such as the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), and the Ecowas Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE).
According to him, the certifications to be offered under the programme would improve employability opportunities for participants within Nigeria and across the ECOWAS region.
“For the power sector to thrive, we must deliberately build indigenous capacity and ensure that technical expertise is retained within local institutions.
This will create jobs, improve operational efficiency, and position Nigeria as a regional hub for energy excellence,” he stated.
Anuwe also commended development partners, including the European Union, the German Government, Siemens Energy, and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit for supporting Nigeria’s energy reforms.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Siemens Energy Nigeria, Mr Sheu Suleman, said the initiative would complement the Federal Government’s broader efforts to reposition the country’s power sector.
“The Presidential Power Initiative remains central to the government’s reform agenda, and this programme will not only reduce technical losses but also strengthen local expertise through technology transfer and workforce development,” Suleman said.
He added that training would take place across multiple centres, including Abeokuta, Offa, Ibadan, Ayede, Birnin Kebbi, and Sokoto, while additional sites are expected to be developed in collaboration with the Federal Government.
The Country Director of GIZ in Nigeria, Mr Markus Wagner, also expressed support for the programme, noting that it aligns with ongoing power sector reforms and efforts to ensure quality assurance in technical training.
