- The meters were procured under the World Bank–supported Distribution Sector Recovery Programme
- Adelabu emphasised that the free meters would be distributed to all categories of electricity consumers
- Gbeleyi added that the smart meters are uniquely configured for each DisCo
The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to electricity distribution companies (DisCos) and their installers, banning them from collecting any form of payment for electricity meters from consumers across the country.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, delivered the warning on Thursday during an on-the-spot inspection of newly imported smart meters at APM Terminals, Apapa Port, Lagos. He made it clear that any DisCo official or installer found extorting customers would face prosecution.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Akande at 87: Adewole Hails Elder Statesman
- Lagos Assembly Approves ₦4.44 Trillion Budget for 2026
- NANS Mobilises Nationwide Protest Over Tax Reform Law
According to Adelabu, the meters were procured under the World Bank–supported Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) and are to be installed for electricity consumers completely free of charge. He stressed that demanding money at any stage of the installation process constitutes a criminal offence.
The minister expressed satisfaction over the arrival of another batch of about 500,000 smart meters, describing it as a major step toward closing Nigeria’s long-standing metering gap.
He disclosed that the Federal Government plans to import about 3.4 million meters in two phases, noting that nearly one million units have already arrived, with over 150,000 installed nationwide.
Adelabu emphasised that the free meters would be distributed to all categories of electricity consumers, regardless of service band, adding that improved metering would enhance transparency, fairness in billing, and revenue collection across the power sector.
He acknowledged that progress had been slower than expected but expressed optimism that within a few years, households, businesses and institutions would be fully metered. This, he said, would improve consumers’ confidence in the billing system and strengthen liquidity in the electricity market.
Reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance stance on extortion, the minister said authorities would closely monitor the installation process and rely on tip-offs from the public. He added that complaint desks would be established, while regulatory agencies at both the federal and state levels would be actively involved in enforcement.
Adelabu further disclosed plans to create a national register for unmetered customers to speed up installations, noting that confirmed cases of illegal charges by DisCo officials or installers would be publicly prosecuted to deter others.
Also speaking, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Ayo Gbeleyi, said the bureau is coordinating the DISREP implementation and monitoring DisCos to ensure compliance.
He revealed that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) would soon issue fresh guidelines to remove bottlenecks affecting meter installation.
Gbeleyi added that the smart meters are uniquely configured for each DisCo and embedded with anti-theft technology, making them unsuitable for installation outside their designated distribution areas.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Mojec International, Mojisola Abdul, confirmed that nearly 150,000 meters have already been installed free of charge, urging Nigerians not to give money to anyone. She announced the introduction of mobile registration, which would allow eligible customers to receive meters within days.
Addressing concerns about past delays, Adelabu assured Nigerians that challenges previously experienced would be eliminated, citing improved meter availability and clear installation protocols. He noted that the Tinubu administration is determined to resolve decades-old challenges affecting the power sector and ensure reliable electricity supply.
Nigeria currently has over five million electricity customers on estimated billing, a situation the government says this metering initiative is designed to end.
FURTHER READING
