The Nigerian Government has inaugurated five modern training workshops and a 104-room hostel at the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The landmark project is designed to strengthen technical capacity in the power sector and underscores Nigeria’s ambition to become a continental hub for energy innovation.
Commissioning the facilities, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, described the development as a pivotal step in advancing human capital for the country’s energy transition.

“Today’s commissioning underscores our commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce capable of addressing the challenges of our rapidly evolving energy landscape. These workshops and hostel infrastructure should not just be about physical buildings, but about promoting an environment of peer learning, collaboration, and professional growth,” he said.
Adelabu thanked the European Union (EU), the French Government through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance for their support, noting that the project directly aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This is yet another stride in the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, which ensures that the development of our nation lies in providing key infrastructures that will provide hope for our vibrant youthful population and transform into meaningful economic prosperity for all Nigerians,” he stated.
EU, France Reaffirm Support
The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, said the Union had committed an €8 million grant to the project.
“By providing a skilled workforce and building capacity, we want to help drive economic development, create jobs, and improve the well-being of the population,” he explained.

Mignot highlighted that EU support had already produced 95 new technical and non-technical courses, a Training of Trainers programme, and reforms to strengthen NAPTIN’s corporate governance.
He added that the EU has invested over €200 million in Nigeria’s power sector since 2008 and is currently implementing a new €100 million renewable energy package that will deliver 400 megawatts of clean energy to more than five million Nigerians by 2027.
French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Marc Fonbaustier said “the facility reflects France’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria’s energy transformation.”
“For over a decade, France has supported Nigeria’s energy sector through AFD, committing over €300 million to large-scale infrastructure projects. This occasion symbolizes our commitment to supporting Nigeria on its path to inclusive and sustainable development,” he said.
Fonbaustier added that the partnership would also strengthen universal electricity access and youth employment, with Schneider Electric providing additional technical support.
NAPTIN’s Continental Ambition
NAPTIN’s Director General, Ahmed Nagode described the commissioning as the fulfilment of a bold vision.
Nagode said; “I feel highly fulfilled. We thank the Honourable Minister, the Ambassadors of the EU and France, our partners and consultants who made it possible for us to live our dream of being a centre of excellence not only in Nigeria and West Africa but in Africa and beyond.”
He added that the modern facilities — including an outdoor training yard, crèche, and provisions for the physically challenged, would consolidate Nigeria’s leadership in vocational training.
“With this infrastructure, I have no doubt that we have started the journey to transform vocational training in the power sector, not only in Nigeria but across Africa. This will be a hub of knowledge and a centre of attraction for the West African subcontinent,” Nagode said.
Youth Voices in the Transition
Young participants under the NextGen RESCO Programme shared their optimism.
From Niger State, Hassana SarkinPawa said: “I am really happy because what I expected was above it. We have learned much regarding renewable energy. I have even started thinking of going towards a career in power because it is really exciting.”
Surajo Idris from Kano State stressed renewable energy’s importance; “In Nigeria, we have a lot of problems regarding electricity, and renewable energy is actually the best alternative. This programme is designed to train and equip future leaders that will take the renewable energy sector to the next level.”
Peace Ohaneme from Lagos State highlighted gender inclusion; “This programme is all about involving the youth in the renewable energy sector, especially women because the sector lacks women. Right now, we have an equal number of men and women, 50-50. My experience here has been very good; the meals are fine, the accommodation is beautiful, the classes are going well.”
Muhammad Hassan from Bauchi State added: “With this experience I believe I am going to be one of the agents of change in the renewable energy sector. The sector needs young minds like me and my colleagues to transform and transition this country into renewable energy.”
Driving the Renewed Hope Agenda
Launched in 2015, the NAPTIN–AFD–EU Project aims to transform NAPTIN into a globally recognised centre of excellence for vocational training across the power sector value chain.
With the commissioning of these new facilities, NAPTIN is poised to bridge Nigeria’s technical skills gap and prepare a new generation of engineers, technicians, and innovators, while deepening international partnerships that advance Nigeria’s clean energy future.
PIAK











