The Federal Government of Nigeria on Tuesday inaugurated the Siemens Energy Education and Development (SEED) training facility in Abeokuta under the Presidential Power Initiative, with plans to train at least 6,000 energy professionals.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Director of Human Resources Management at the Federal Ministry of Power, Samaila Nasiru, said the initiative reflects a commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s energy sector beyond infrastructure development.
He explained that the Presidential Power Initiative focuses on the modernisation and expansion of Nigeria’s power infrastructure, but stressed that sustainable progress requires investment in human capacity.
Nasiru noted that while major investments are ongoing in transmission and distribution networks under Phase One of the initiative, infrastructure alone cannot solve the sector’s challenges without skilled manpower.
According to him, the five-year SEED programme is designed to equip energy professionals with technical expertise needed to operate and maintain complex power systems.
He added that collaboration with regulatory bodies such as the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria and the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency will ensure participants receive internationally recognised certifications.
The Managing Director and CEO of the FGN Power Company, Kenny Anuwe, described the initiative as a strategic investment in human capital aimed at sustaining Nigeria’s energy transition.
He said the programme aligns with efforts under the Presidential Power Initiative to modernise and expand electricity infrastructure for long-term national development.
Anuwe stressed that sustainable progress in the power sector depends on professionals capable of efficiently managing transmission and distribution systems.
He added that the SEED programme will help embed technical skills within Nigeria’s local workforce, reduce dependency on foreign expertise and improve operational efficiency across the sector.
According to him, the initiative will also create jobs and position Nigeria as a regional hub for energy sector training and technical excellence.
Anuwe acknowledged support from development partners including the European Union, the Germany government, Siemens Energy, and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit.
Speaking at the event, Siemens Energy Nigeria Managing Director, Sheu Suleman, said the programme supports the Federal Government’s efforts to reform and stabilise the power sector.
He noted that the initiative would help reduce technical losses in transmission systems while building local capacity through technology transfer.
Training is expected to take place across multiple locations, including Abeokuta, Offa, Ibadan, Ayede, Birnin Kebbi and Sokoto, with additional centres planned in partnership with the government.
The GIZ Country Director in Nigeria, Markus Wagner, said the SEED programme aligns with Nigeria’s broader power sector reform goals and will help integrate industry standards into technical training.
The initiative is expected to play a key role in strengthening Nigeria’s electricity value chain and improving long-term sector performance.
