Amanze Chinonye
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to bridge Nigeria’s electricity metering gap, ordering electricity distribution companies (DisCos) and meter installers to stop charging consumers for meter installations, and warning that offenders will face prosecution.
The directive was reiterated on Thursday by Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu during an inspection of newly imported smart meters at APM Terminals, Apapa, Lagos.
The meters were procured under the World Bank–funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), which aims to provide millions of meters nationwide, promote transparency, and reduce arbitrary electricity billing.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAdelabu emphasized that all meters supplied through the programme must be installed free of charge for every category of consumer, describing any attempt to demand payment as a criminal offence. “Confirmed cases of extortion no matter how high will be prosecuted and publicly exposed to deter others,” he said.
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The latest DISREP shipments include about 1.4 million smart meters, with over 150,000 already installed nationwide, and plans are in place to deploy over 3 million meters in phases.
The initiative seeks to address the country’s estimated five million unmetered customers, many of whom have previously faced estimated billing and illegal meter charges.
To strengthen enforcement, the Ministry of Power is establishing customer complaint desks and digital interfaces to allow consumers to report illegal practices directly to authorities. Analysts note that the government’s renewed focus comes amid persistent public frustration with estimated billing, delayed meter deliveries, and extortion by some DisCos.
The minister stated that the free meter rollout, coupled with strict monitoring and prosecution of violators, signals a more assertive regulatory approach aimed at fair billing, sector liquidity, and consumer protection. The government has urged Nigerians to report any attempt by installers or DisCo staff to demand payment before meter installation.
With meter deliveries accelerating and penalties for non-compliance strengthened, the initiative marks a significant push towards equitable electricity access and transparency in Nigeria’s power sector.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
