- Adelabu explained that the visit was part of the Federal Government’s effort to maintain practical
- He noted that the engagement aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader agenda to reform the power sector
- Data from the project implementation unit shows that out of approximately 59,000 meters allocated to IBEDC
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has instructed the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to accelerate the rollout of free prepaid meters to customers across its coverage area.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that he gave the directive during a working visit to the company’s headquarters in Ibadan on Saturday, where he met with IBEDC’s management team and key stakeholders in the power sector.
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Adelabu explained that the visit was part of the Federal Government’s effort to maintain practical, results-driven engagement with operators in the Nigerian electricity supply industry.
According to the minister, the goal was to gain firsthand insight into IBEDC’s operational challenges and identify ways the government can provide support to enhance service delivery to households, businesses, and industries.
He noted that the engagement aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader agenda to reform the power sector and ensure more dependable electricity nationwide.
Adelabu expressed concern over the slow pace of meter distribution under the Federal Government’s Distribution Sector Recovery Programme.
Data from the project implementation unit shows that out of approximately 59,000 meters allocated to IBEDC, only about 16,300 have been installed so far.
He urged the company to prioritise the deployment of the remaining meters, stressing that they were procured to improve billing transparency, reduce energy losses, and strengthen the financial stability of distribution companies, not to remain unused in storage facilities.
The minister also encouraged IBEDC to explore additional opportunities to enhance supply within its franchise area. He highlighted embedded generation as one option, pointing to the concession of the Ikere Gorge Dam to Quaint Energy, which could add up to 10 megawatts of power to the network if properly integrated.
He further advised the company to consider franchising models and interconnected mini-grid partnerships as part of efforts to expand and stabilise electricity distribution.
Adelabu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a supportive policy and regulatory environment that will enable distribution companies to remain financially viable while delivering improved and affordable services to consumers.
In his remarks, IBEDC Managing Director Francis Agoha acknowledged the ministry’s backing, revealing that the company had operated without a core investor for four years and relied heavily on government support during that period.
He announced that IBEDC has recently secured new core investors who are expected to inject fresh capital to reposition the company.
Agoha added that IBEDC has been collaborating with stakeholders, including the Transmission Company of Nigeria and the Rural Electrification Agency, as well as contractors executing federal power projects within its jurisdiction.
He expressed optimism that ongoing partnerships and investments would soon translate into noticeable improvements in electricity supply across the franchise area.
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