The Federal Government has inaugurated the Siemens Energy Education and Development (SEED) training facility in Abeokuta under the Presidential Power Initiative, with plans to train 6,000 energy professionals over the next five years to strengthen Nigeria’s power sector.
Speaking at the inauguration, Samaila Nasiru said the project reflects the government’s commitment to developing human capacity alongside investments in power infrastructure.
According to him, the Presidential Power Initiative is focused on modernising and expanding Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure, but sustainable progress in the sector depends on skilled professionals capable of operating and maintaining complex systems.
“While we are making critical investments in grid transmission and distribution capacity nationwide under Phase One, we recognise that infrastructure alone cannot solve our energy challenges,” he said.
Nasiru explained that the SEED programme would provide technical training and internationally recognised certifications through partnerships with regulatory bodies including Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria and Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency.
The Managing Director of FGN Power Company, Kenny Anuwe, described the initiative as a strategic investment in human capital aimed at supporting long-term reforms in the power sector.
He said the programme would help develop local technical expertise, improve operational efficiency and position Nigeria as a regional hub for energy sector excellence.
Also speaking, Sheu Suleman said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s power sector reform agenda and would support efforts to reduce technical losses while promoting technology transfer and workforce development.
Suleman disclosed that training would take place across multiple centres, including Abeokuta, Offa, Ibadan, Ayede, Birnin Kebbi and Sokoto, with additional locations expected to be developed in partnership with the Federal Government.
The Country Director of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, Markus Wagner, said the programme aligns with Nigeria’s ongoing power sector reforms and would incorporate industry-approved standards and quality assurance measures.
