The Federal Government has sounded the alarm over a severe shortage of skilled workers in Nigeria’s power sector, particularly within the growing renewable energy industry.
Speaking during the launch of the Next Gen RESCO Programme, a joint initiative by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), and Eco-Innovation Empowerment Initiatives—NAPTIN Director-General Ahmed Nagode revealed that the country currently lacks 50 percent of the skilled manpower required to effectively run the sector.
In a statement released by the REA on Sunday, Nagode emphasised the urgency of bridging the skills gap among Nigeria’s youth to meet the energy sector’s evolving demands.
He described the programme, themed “Empowering Future Leaders in Renewable Energy,” as a deliberate attempt to identify, train, and empower young Nigerians with practical skills relevant to the renewable energy industry.
Nagode noted that the initiative supports President Bola Tinubu’s broader agenda of job creation and economic growth.
He pointed out that although Nigeria produces many graduates, few possess the technical competence needed in the field, underscoring the difference between academic qualifications and practical know-how.
He said this gap is precisely what NAPTIN was created to address, particularly in the renewable energy space.
The programme focuses on key technical areas including solar photovoltaic installation and maintenance, PV supervision, mini-grid design, and energy efficiency.
As a recognised centre of excellence within the West African Power Pool and the Association of Power Utilities of Africa, NAPTIN prioritises hands-on skills over paper credentials.
Nagode expressed concern over the sustainability of solar infrastructure in the country, warning that many solar-powered systems, including streetlights in Abuja could fail within five years if not properly maintained.
He called for a stronger focus on local capacity building, stating that young Nigerians must be equipped to take ownership of the sector rather than relying on foreign expertise.
In response to the urgent need for skilled labour, the REA plans to create an additional 10,000 jobs in the renewable energy sector over the next few years to help close Nigeria’s energy access gap.
REA Managing Director and CEO Abba Aliyu said that although Nigeria currently has about 70,000 jobs in the sector, far more are needed given the country’s population and electricity needs.
He highlighted that the entire African continent accounts for only 320,000 jobs in renewable energy, with Nigeria representing just a fraction of that figure.
Aliyu also revealed that through the Next Gen Programme, 120 new jobs are being created, and that Nigeria now boasts a 600-megawatt photovoltaic panel manufacturing capacity, an achievement made possible by deliberate policies under the Tinubu administration.
The programme, Nigeria’s first public-private renewable energy talent pipeline, will offer selected graduates from all six geopolitical zones a three-month paid classroom training at NAPTIN, followed by a one-month internship with Renewable Energy Service Companies.
Top-performing candidates will then proceed to a nine-month paid placement with automatic job offers upon completion, ensuring a smooth entry into the renewable energy workforce.
