- MAPs petition FG over challenges
- Pricing, forex regime and custom clearing among challenges
- Seeks NEMSA cooperation on metering standards
Meter Asset Providers (MAP) have petitioned the Federal Government on several challenges hindering the implementation of the provisions of the MAP regulation. In a communique issued by the MAPs following a meeting, the MAPs have asked the FG to intervene and resolve these persistent issues. Irregular foreign exchange regime, meter pricing, and customs clearing charges were listed as the challenges.
”An upward review of the current price of prepaid meter by NERC in view of rising inflation, continued upward movement of foreign exchange rates, associated increases in customs costs, increase in container freight costs, and the disruptions in the international supply chain, leading to a global increase in the prices of raw materials and components for the manufacture of prepaid meters. MAPs, however, note that there will be a corresponding downward review of meter prices when there is a downward movement in foreign exchange rates and other cost factors”, the communique read.
“The CBN should guarantee access to foreign exchange to Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers for the procurement of parts and accessories (Completely Knocked Down (CKD) or Semi Knocked Down (SKD) parts) including equipment for meter manufacturing/production as well as expansion of factory infrastructure”, the communique continued.
“The Nigerian Customs Services (Customs) should be encouraged to create dedicated desks/teams at the various ports to fast track the clearing of prepaid meters and components from the ports to improve on delivery timelines. Further, it is crucial that the Federal Min of Finance and Customs harmonize and provide clarity on HS codes for uniform assessment as relates to meters, meters parts, components, and accessories”, the MAPs pleaded.
The MAPs also sought the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Authority (NEMSA) intervention in the regularisation of metering standards in the sector. ”Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) should drive a review of material requirements for the production of meter and metering components and accessories such as meter boxes, relays, etc. This will facilitate the utilization of available local materials to increase local input in the deployment of meters and reduce foreign currency requirements”, the communique read.
The Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) also urged the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Authority (NERC) to urgently convene a stakeholder meeting to address metering challenges in the sector. ”That NERC should urgently convene a roundtable meeting of all stakeholders in the metering sector consisting of the Federal Ministry of Power, Office of the Vice President, CBN, Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Customs, NEMSA, DisCos, and MAP/Meter Manufacturers & Assemblers to engage on the key issues and above recommendations”, they urged.
The MAPs also thanked the Federal Government for its efforts in improving meter penetration in the country.