- The government mandates the nationwide free installation of 500,000 newly imported smart meters.
- DisCo officials face prosecution for extorting consumers during meter deployment.
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to deliver free electricity meter installation across Nigeria’s power sector. Accordingly, it warned electricity distribution companies against extorting consumers during meter deployment. This directive forms part of a broader strategy to close Nigeria’s estimated seven million electricity meter gap. Consequently, the government has committed to deploying 3.4 million smart meters nationwide as part of an accelerated reform programme.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, made this position clear during an on-site inspection in Lagos. Specifically, he inspected a newly imported batch of 500,000 smart meters at APM Terminals, Apapa. These meters were procured under the World Bank-funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme. Therefore, the government expects strict compliance from all distribution companies involved in the rollout.
Notably, the programme has already delivered close to one million meters into the country. So far, installers have deployed about 150,000 meters to customers across different regions. Meanwhile, the latest consignment marks a significant increase in delivery momentum. As a result, authorities expect faster progress in addressing long-standing metering challenges.
According to the minister, free installation of electricity meters remains a cornerstone of power sector reform. He stressed that consumers must not pay any fee for meter supply or installation. Furthermore, he described any request for payment as illegal and unacceptable. Therefore, the government will prosecute Disco officials or installers who violate this directive.
Adelabu explained that universal metering promotes transparency and accurate billing across the sector. Similarly, it strengthens consumer confidence in electricity services. In addition, proper metering improves revenue collection for operators. Consequently, improved liquidity allows the industry to meet energy payment obligations more effectively.
He further linked enhanced liquidity to operational efficiency and service reliability. Accordingly, operators can maintain infrastructure and improve the stability of the electricity supply. Reliable power supply, in turn, supports industrial activity and economic expansion. Thus, the metering programme carries strong economic and developmental significance.
Notably, the minister described the initiative’s scale as unprecedented in Nigeria’s electricity history. He emphasised that the programme reflects a renewed commitment to consumer protection. Moreover, it signals a decisive shift towards accountability in electricity distribution. Therefore, enforcement mechanisms will accompany every phase of implementation.
Ultimately, the Federal Government aims to rebuild trust between electricity providers and consumers. Through this intervention, authorities seek fairness, transparency, and long-term sector sustainability. As implementation continues, the government expects measurable improvements in billing accuracy and service delivery nationwide.