NCDMB, MIMSHACK SWIFT equip 50 youths with power sector skills in Anambra

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in collaboration with MIMSHACK SWIFT LIMITED, has concluded a five-day training and empowerment programme designed to equip 50 beneficiaries in Anambra State with practical skills in electricity meter repairs and electrical distribution switchgear.

The capacity-building programme, which held at Awka, was part of efforts to strengthen technical manpower, promote indigenous participation in Nigeria’s electricity value chain and create sustainable employment opportunities for young Nigerians.

The initiative focused on developing the practical and entrepreneurial capacities of participants to enable them to take advantage of opportunities in the power and electrical services sector.

MIMSHACK SWIFT LIMITED, the implementation partner, facilitated intensive practical and technical sessions covering electricity meter diagnostics, fault identification, repairs, calibration and maintenance.

Participants were also trained in the installation, operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of electrical distribution switchgear, an important component of electricity distribution infrastructure.

Beyond the technical components of the programme, the beneficiaries were exposed to occupational safety standards, industry best practices and entrepreneurship.

The entrepreneurship component was designed to equip participants with the knowledge required to establish small businesses, provide technical services independently or secure employment opportunities with electricity distribution companies, electrical contractors and other organisations operating within the power sector.

The training, therefore, combined technical knowledge with practical experience, giving the beneficiaries an opportunity to develop skills that can be applied directly in real-world electrical installations and maintenance activities.

Speaking on the significance of the programme, the organisers said the initiative was aimed at addressing the skills gap in the power sector while promoting the development of competent Nigerian manpower capable of supporting the country’s electricity infrastructure.

The programme also aligns with the broader objective of increasing indigenous participation in technical and engineering-related activities across the Nigerian economy.

Participants expressed appreciation to the NCDMB and MIMSHACK SWIFT LIMITED for providing them with the opportunity to acquire specialised skills that could improve their employment prospects and enable them to become self-reliant.

Some of the beneficiaries noted that the practical nature of the training would give them greater confidence to undertake electrical-related jobs and contribute meaningfully to the development of the electricity sector in their communities.

The provision of starter packs and tools to some beneficiaries further strengthened the empowerment component of the programme, as the items are expected to assist them in transitioning from training into actual practice and income-generating activities.

For the beneficiaries, the programme represents more than the acquisition of certificates, as the skills gained in meter repairs, diagnostics, calibration and switchgear maintenance can provide opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment within a growing technical services market.

The organisers also stressed the importance of safety in electrical work, ensuring that participants understood the need to comply with relevant safety procedures and professional standards while carrying out repairs, installations and maintenance.

The NCDMB reiterated its commitment to working with indigenous companies and other stakeholders to promote skills transfer, local capacity development and job creation.

The Board emphasised the importance of developing a technically skilled Nigerian workforce that can effectively participate in specialised areas of the economy and reduce dependence on foreign technical expertise.

The collaboration with MIMSHACK SWIFT LIMITED is also expected to contribute to the broader development of local content by creating a pool of trained Nigerians who can provide technical services in the electricity and electrical infrastructure sectors.

With the successful completion of the five-day programme, the 50 beneficiaries are expected to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills either through employment, entrepreneurship or further professional development.

The initiative underscores the growing importance of practical technical education and empowerment programmes in tackling unemployment, promoting self-reliance and strengthening Nigeria’s industrial and power sector value chain.

As the beneficiaries begin the next phase of their professional journey, the organisers expressed optimism that the training will translate into sustainable livelihoods, improved technical services and increased Nigerian participation in the electricity sector.