Federal Government Issues Strict Directive on Free Meter Installation
The Federal Government has issued a firm directive to electricity distribution companies (DisCos) and meter installers across Nigeria, mandating that smart meters be provided to consumers free of charge. This move comes with a stern warning that any officials found demanding payments from consumers will face prosecution. The announcement was made by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, during an inspection of newly imported smart meters at APM Terminals in Apapa, Lagos, on Thursday.
Unprecedented Free Meter Distribution Initiative
Adelabu emphasized the unprecedented nature of this initiative, stating, "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."
The smart meters are procured under the World Bank-funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), aimed at enhancing billing accuracy and revenue collection within the power sector. Adelabu explained that the programme targets the importation of approximately 3.4 million meters in two batches. The first batch consists of 1.43 million meters, with nearly one million already received and about 150,000 installed nationwide. The recent delivery includes close to 500,000 smart meters, marking a significant step toward eliminating the meter gap in Nigeria's electricity sector.
Enhanced Transparency and Consumer Protection
Full metering is expected to bring greater transparency to billing processes, increase consumer willingness to pay, and improve sector liquidity. Adelabu reiterated, "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."
To address potential extortion, the government plans to establish a customer complaint desk. Reports of illegal charges will be investigated by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and state regulatory authorities. Adelabu warned, "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."
Inclusive Approach and Programme Coverage
The minister assured that the programme covers all consumer categories, prioritizing every Nigerian electricity user. He clarified, "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."
Ayo Gbeleyi, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, highlighted the bureau's role in coordinating DISREP and overseeing the boards of all 11 DisCos. He mentioned that NERC will soon issue a new order or circular outlining protocols to ensure unhindered meter installations, supported by monitoring dashboards and stakeholder collaboration for seamless deployment.
Industry Support and Future Prospects
Mojisola Abdul, Chairman of Mojec, confirmed the installation of nearly 150,000 meters so far, all provided free of charge. She urged consumers, "Don't give anybody money. You are not allowed." Abdul also revealed plans for mobile registration to expedite the process, promising meter installation within three days of registration.
Adelabu acknowledged past challenges in meter distribution, such as limited availability and required payments, but reassured that the current programme addresses these issues. With sufficient volume and the free installation mandate, previous complications are expected to be eliminated. The minister also visited the National Meter Test Station in Oshodi, where meters undergo testing by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency to ensure compliance with standards.
Currently, Nigeria has over five million electricity consumers under estimated billing, underscoring the critical need for this metering initiative to drive sector reform and consumer satisfaction.
