NAPTIN Trains 1,500 Engineers to Empower the Power Sector

NAPTIN Readiness to Train 1,500 Engineers and Technicians in the Power Sector

The National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) has announced its readiness to train at least 1,500 engineers and technicians in the power sector. This initiative aims to enhance the country’s electricity supply and support the transformation of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). The announcement was made during a one-day Stakeholders’ Engagement event held in Abuja.

Objectives of the Engagement

The engagement, titled “Building a Skilled and Sustainable Workforce for NESI Transformation,” was part of the project “Enhancing Vocational Training Delivery for the Nigerian Power Sector.” This project is funded under the EU-AFD Project and organized in partnership with NAPTIN by the Consortium of Colenco Nigeria and AETS (France).

Mr Ahmed Nagode, the Director-General of NAPTIN, emphasized the importance of the theme of the engagement. He stated that without a sustainable skilled workforce, infrastructure would remain underutilized, investments would underperform, and the national aspiration for stable and affordable power would remain unattainable.

Nagode highlighted that NAPTIN, as the nation's foremost power sector capacity development institute, understands the critical link between human capability and sector performance. He acknowledged that despite ongoing efforts, challenges such as skills gaps in emerging areas, misalignment between training outputs and industry demands, and fragmented collaboration mechanisms still persist.

Addressing Key Challenges

“We recognized these barriers and are assembled here today to address them. Therefore, the objectives of today’s engagement are clear and action-oriented,” said Nagode.

He further stressed the need to move from consultation to structured and sustainable collaboration. According to him, there are facilities and an enabling environment available to accommodate trainees. This shift in approach is essential to ensure that the training programs meet the evolving needs of the power sector.

Government Support and Policy Framework

Mamudah Mamman, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Power, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting NAPTIN’s training initiatives. Represented by Mr Mustapha Babaumara, Director of the Distribution Ministry of Power, Mamman stated that a policy had been developed to enable NAPTIN to train engineers and technicians in the power sector.

This policy underscores the government’s recognition of the role that skilled professionals play in driving the growth and sustainability of the electricity sector. It also reflects a strategic effort to align training outcomes with industry requirements, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the necessary skills to contribute effectively to the sector.

Importance of Collaboration

The event brought together various stakeholders, including representatives from the private sector, academic institutions, and regulatory bodies. This collaborative approach is vital to creating a cohesive strategy for addressing the challenges facing the power sector.

Key discussions focused on:

• Developing a curriculum that aligns with current and future industry needs.
• Enhancing partnerships between training institutions and power sector organizations.
• Creating platforms for continuous learning and professional development.

By fostering such collaborations, NAPTIN and its partners aim to build a robust pipeline of skilled workers who can drive innovation and efficiency in the power sector.

Future Outlook

With the support of both the government and the private sector, NAPTIN is well-positioned to lead the charge in developing a skilled and sustainable workforce for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry. The upcoming training program involving 1,500 engineers and technicians is a significant step toward achieving this goal.

As the country continues to face challenges in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, the importance of investing in human capital cannot be overstated. Through targeted training and capacity building, Nigeria can take meaningful strides toward a more reliable and affordable power supply for all its citizens.