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.
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The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, issued the directive on Thursday during an inspection of newly imported smart meters at APM Terminals, Apapa, Lagos. The meters, procured under the World Bank–funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), are intended to improve billing and collections across the power sector.
Adelabu said the government would establish a customer complaint desk to receive reports of extortion, which would be investigated by the Nigerian Electricity Regulato ry Commission (NERC) 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.
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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 under estimated billing.
