Abuja, Nigeria – The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Halilu, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to developing indigenous technical capacity and supporting Nigeria’s industrial transformation through strategic investments in skills development and innovation.
Halilu made the commitment while participating in the launch of PowerForce, a presidential initiative designed to equip 5,000 young Nigerians with the technical skills required to accelerate the nationwide deployment of smart electricity meters.
The initiative was launched alongside the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Arowolo Verheijen, as part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electricity value chain, improve metering infrastructure and create employment opportunities for young people.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, Halilu described local talent development as a critical pillar in building a resilient and sustainable power sector.
According to him, equipping young Nigerians with practical technical skills will not only support the expansion of smart meter installation across the country but also contribute to the long-term growth of Nigeria’s engineering and manufacturing ecosystem.
He explained that the PowerForce initiative aligns closely with NASENI’s strategic mandate to deepen local manufacturing, expand indigenous engineering capabilities and promote innovation-driven industrial development.
The NASENI boss noted that the agency has continued to champion initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s domestic production capacity, encouraging technology transfer and building an innovation ecosystem capable of driving the country’s industrial future.
He emphasised that investing simultaneously in people and technology is essential to creating a resilient economy capable of delivering sustainable growth, increased productivity and improved national competitiveness.
Industry stakeholders have long identified the shortage of skilled technical personnel and the country’s metering gap as major challenges affecting the performance of Nigeria’s electricity sector. Programmes such as PowerForce are expected to help bridge these gaps by developing a new generation of trained technicians capable of supporting large-scale smart meter deployment while creating meaningful employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.
The initiative also complements the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms aimed at modernising the power sector through improved energy infrastructure, enhanced electricity distribution, increased local content and digital transformation.
With NASENI continuing to invest in research, engineering innovation and indigenous manufacturing, the agency’s support for the PowerForce programme reinforces its commitment to building the human capital and technological capabilities required to drive Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda and accelerate sustainable economic development.