The Federal Government has ordered electricity distribution companies and their installers to provide smart meters to consumers at no cost, threatening prosecution for any official found demanding payment.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, issued the directive recently during an inspection of newly imported smart meters at APM Terminals in Apapa, Lagos. The meters, acquired under the World Bank–funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme, are intended to close the metering gap and enhance billing accuracy nationwide.
“We will act promptly on tip-offs!” He said.
“It is unprecedented that these meters are to be installed and distributed to consumers free of charge, free of charge!” Adelabu declared. “Nobody should collect money from any consumer. It is an illegality. It is an offence for officials of distribution companies across Nigeria to request a dime before installation.”
He warned that even third-party installers contracted by DisCos are barred from requesting payment. “It has to be installed free of charge so that billings and collections will improve for the sector,” he added.
Adelabu explained that the government plans to import about 3.4 million meters in two phases. The first batch of 1.43 million units has seen nearly one million meters delivered, with about 150,000 already installed nationwide. An additional 500,000 units recently arrived in Lagos.
“I believe that the journey of completely eliminating the meter gap in the Nigerian power sector has just begun,” he said.
The minister also reiterated that full metering would promote transparency, boost payment compliance, and improve sector liquidity.
