FG goes tough on provision of electricity smart meters

The Federal Government has directed electricity distribution companies, DisCos, and meter installers to provide smart meters to consumers free of charge, warning that officials found demanding payments will face prosecution.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, issued the directive while inspecting newly imported smart meters at APM Terminals, Apapa, Lagos. The meters, procured under the World Bank–funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme are intended to improve billing and collections across the power sector.

Adelabu said, “I want to mention that it is unprecedented that these meters are to be installed and distributed to consumers free of charge—free of charge! Nobody should collect money from any consumer. It is an illegality. It is an offence for the officials of distribution companies across Nigeria to request a dime before installation; even the indirect installers cannot ask consumers for a dime. It has to be installed free of charge so that billings and collections will improve for the sector.”

He explained that the programme aims to import a total of about 3.4 million meters in two batches. “The first batch is 1.43 million meters, out of which we have received close to about a million meters. Currently, almost 150,000 meters have already been installed across all distribution companies in the country. And what we have today is close to 500,000 meters that we just received. They are all smart meters, and I believe that the journey of completely eliminating the meter gap in the Nigerian power sector has just begun,” Adelabu said.

He added that full metering would enhance transparency in billings, increase consumers’ readiness to pay, and improve liquidity in the sector. “We said it is free. We are not saying this behind closed doors. We are telling Nigerians that the distribution and installation of these meters in every location is free of charge, and it is declared an offence—an illegality—for any DisCo official or installer to request money from the beneficiaries of these meters. We will track and monitor this installation. We also await tip-offs,” he said.

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Adelabu said the government would establish a customer complaint desk to receive reports of extortion, which would be investigated by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and state regulatory authorities. “Extortion is not allowed, but there must be confirmed cases of such extortion, and the officials involved—no matter how high—will be prosecuted. It will be publicised and serve as a deterrent to others with similar intentions,” he said.

The minister also noted that the programme covers all categories of consumers. “We are prioritising every Nigerian, every customer, every electricity user. The issue of Band A, Band B, or Band C is temporary; it is our systematic way of ensuring this reform reaches everyone. The meters will be given to all levels of customers and not restricted to a single band. I am committing to that,” he said.

Ayo Gbeleyi, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, said the bureau coordinates DISREP and oversees the boards of all 11 electricity distribution companies. He added, “Regarding concerns that DisCos are delaying meter installations, you will soon see a new order or circular from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission prescribing the protocols and processes DisCos must follow to ensure unhindered access for meter installations. We are monitoring this. We have our dashboard, trackers, and all stakeholders’ hands on deck to ensure seamless and rapid deployment of these meters.”

Mojisola Abdul, Chairman of Mojec, said the meters are designed to increase revenue and supply. “I’m telling you, physically, we have installed almost 150,000 meters, and they are free. Don’t give anybody money. You are not allowed. We had a meeting Wednesday with the minister and the DG of BPE about further progress on making it easy for every Nigerian. We are calling it mobile registration of free meters. If you register today, your meter will be installed within three days,” she said.

Adelabu acknowledged past delays in meter distribution but reassured that the current programme eliminates previous obstacles.

“Previously, there was limited meter availability, and payment was required. But this programme has two advantages: first, the volume is now sufficient—we have received almost 1 million meters, with another 1.55 million meters coming in the second phase. Second, the meters must be installed free of charge. The complications experienced in the past will be completely eliminated,” he said.

The minister also visited the National Meter Test Station in Oshodi, where meters are tested by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency to ensure compliance with standards. Nigeria currently has over five million electricity consumers underestimated billing.

Reported by The Guardian