A power expert, Kola Balogun, says the first phase (Phase zero) of the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) can create 500,000 jobs.

Mr Balogun, the chairman of the Momas Electricity Meter Manufacturing Company (MEMMCOL), stated this on Tuesday.

The federal government launched the first phase of the NMMP with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in October 2020, issuing the ‘Framework for Financing of the National Mass Metering Programme’.

He appealed to the CBN to create easier access to Forex by local meter manufacturers to source raw materials ahead of the programme.

According to him, about four million prepaid meters were targeted for installation under phase zero, which has a huge potential for job creation.

”President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration must be commended for initiating the NMMP because there is an urgent need to bridge the metering gap in the power sector,” stated Mr Balogun. “I want to appreciate the government because the intervention that came to manufacturers under phase one was a huge success.”

He explained that it allowed manufacturers to have a tested process “in place to know their capabilities and capacities and what they can give to the market.”

“The volume given to us was tested against the equipment, manpower, and why we need to upscale further,” the power expert added.

Mr Balogun further said local meter manufacturers could hire more hands to meet the required volume under phase one of the programme.

“We need to employ more engineers on how to handle and service the machines, how to do coding and programming and also installers that will be going into the field,” he explained. “I am appealing to them that as phase one is coming in that, they should strengthen local manufacturers. There should be an opportunity for more funding to upscale our production and train more hands to ensure its success.”

(NAN)