Nigeria Power Sector Program Training Needs Assessment

The program aims to support comprehensive reform within Nigeria's power sector, addressing gas to power challenges, competitive procurement of clean and conventional energy, utility distribution sector reform, and off-grid electricity access. Outcome objectives include enabling 10,000 MW of new/rehabilitated electricity generation capacity, connecting three million new electricity customers, and improving the liquidity of the power sector. Outcome 4 of NPSP focuses on building the capacity of electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) to reduce distribution losses, connect additional customers, and improve power quality and delivery. The program will establish sustainable performance improvements throughout the power sector, working with DISCOs, regulators, and the industry association to improve overall conditions within the sector. Key experts of the NPSP team collaborated with the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDP), Ikeja Electric (IE), Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), Energy Markets and Regulatory Consultants (EMRC), and various human resource (HR) experts to perform a comprehensive capacity and capability needs assessment. The results of this assessment are contained within this Training Needs Assessment (TNA), developed to serve as a comprehensive document guiding NPSP to recommend training and capacity/capability building topics and delivery modalities. Inputs into the TNA identified critical training requirements in key business areas, including the capacity and capability of the Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to deal with regulatory issues, file tariff applications, and improve coordination with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). The TNA identified key management functions as a critical area for training, including board and senior management roles and responsibilities, leadership and management, and human resources management. The report also highlights the importance of training in business support functions, such as finance, procurement, and supply chain management. Additionally, the TNA emphasizes the need for training in distribution network and operations, including distribution planning, network management, and customer service. A comprehensive skills gap analysis was conducted to identify the training needs of DISCOs. The analysis revealed significant gaps in key management functions, business support functions, and distribution network and operations. The report provides a detailed breakdown of the skills gaps in each of these areas, highlighting the need for training in areas such as leadership and management, human resources management, finance, procurement, and supply chain management. The TNA also emphasizes the importance of a Train the Trainer (TTT) approach to ensure the effective transfer of knowledge and skills to DISCOs. The report recommends the establishment of a training program that includes a comprehensive curriculum, training materials, and a training delivery plan. The program should also include a mechanism for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the training. The proposed timeline for the training program is outlined in Table 1, which provides a detailed breakdown of the training modules, participant overlap, and training timelines. The report also includes a comprehensive list of tables and figures, which provide additional information on the training needs assessment and the proposed training program. Overall, the TNA provides a comprehensive framework for building the capacity of DISCOs in Nigeria, highlighting the critical training requirements in key business areas and providing a detailed breakdown of the skills gaps in each of these areas. The report recommends a comprehensive training program that includes a TTT approach, a comprehensive curriculum, training materials, and a training delivery plan.