- The Federal Government’s ₦700 billion metering initiative under the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) will deliver 1.1 million smart meters across Nigeria by December 2025.
- The rollout aims to close Nigeria’s metering gap, improve revenue assurance, and boost transparency in the power sector.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has secured ₦700 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to deploy 1.1 million smart electricity meters nationwide by December 2025 under the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI). The initiative aims to close the country’s metering gap, enhance transparency, and improve revenue collection in the power sector.
According to Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, the PMI complements the World Bank’s DISREP programme, which will supply an additional 3.2 million meters, potentially eliminating the metering deficit within five years. The government also leverages over US$2 billion in bilateral and development funding to boost private investment and renewable energy access in underserved communities.
Furthermore, new agreements from the 2025 Nigerian Renewable Energy Innovation Forum are expected to add four gigawatts of solar manufacturing capacity annually, which is nearly 80% of Nigeria’s current power generation. Adelabu highlighted the Electricity Act 2023, which enables states to run their electricity markets, as a significant reform driving sectoral growth.
President Bola Tinubu has also approved a ₦4 trillion bond to settle verified debts to generation companies and gas suppliers, alongside a targeted subsidy to protect low-income consumers. Meanwhile, NERC has earmarked ₦28 billion under the Meter Acquisition Fund for free meter installation.
Despite these efforts, Nigeria’s metering rate is 54.33%, leaving nearly half of consumers unmetered. The government, however, remains committed to investment, innovation, and public-private partnerships to build a transparent, efficient, and customer-driven electricity sector.