FG Targets 5 Million Power Sector Jobs for Youths

By Adedapo Adesanya

The federal government is planning to create five million jobs in the power sector for youths, according to the Minister of Power, Mr Sale Mamman.

The massive job employment is said to be encapsulated from the five million Solar Home System (SHS) project, the Mass Metering Scheme, among others.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Power during a stakeholder meeting in Jalingo, the Taraba state capital on Monday.

Mr Mamman, while addressing the youths on the need to foster peace and harmony, stated that in line with their demands, the federal government is set to create massive job opportunities for Nigerian youths in the power sector through its five million solar power initiative.

The minister lauded the youths for making their voices heard on developmental issues and urged them to shun violent protest. He also asked them to give President Muhammadu Buhari a chance to implement their demands and other ongoing robust projects on youth empowerment.

“Plans are ongoing to kick start this and it is being designed to ensure that majority of the firms and the installers are Nigerian youths. This is also part of the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s focus on lifting 100 million people out of poverty within 10 years.

“From the briefings I have received so far, the youths are taking up opportunities in this aspect as well as in renewable energy.

“This is another way the government will be empowering young Nigerians as the local assembly; installation and the maintenance of these meters are largely handled by our industrious youths,” he said.

He noted that there is assurance on the part of the President that Nigerians will be beneficiaries of the Siemens project which will turn around the power supply situation of Nigeria.

He said, “When this happens, industries will be revived and SMEs driven by youths will thrive more.”

The 5 million Solar project initiative will be implemented through the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) steered by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and it is expected to create opportunities for manufacturers of solar panels, installers, revenue collection agents and technicians.

This initiative is expected to reduce the level of unemployment in Nigeria, and cater to demands for better opportunities by the youths, through self-employment.