Adelabu warns installers, says World Bank–funded smart meters must be installed free nationwide
The Federal Government has issued a firm directive banning electricity distribution companies (DisCos) and their installers from collecting any form of payment for electricity meters, warning that officials involved in extorting consumers will face prosecution.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, issued the warning on Thursday during an on-site inspection of newly imported smart meters at APM Terminals, Apapa, Lagos.
According to the minister, the meters were procured under the World Bank–funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) and must be distributed and installed completely free of charge to electricity consumers across the country.
Adelabu stressed that any demand for payment whether by DisCo staff or third-party installers would be treated as a criminal offence.
“Nobody should collect money from any consumer,” he said. “It is an illegality and an offence for officials of distribution companies or installers to request a dime before installation. These meters must be installed free of charge so that billing and collections can improve in the sector.”
The minister, who was received at the Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service by Area Controller Emmanuel Oshoba, expressed satisfaction over the arrival of another 500,000 smart meters, describing it as part of a broader plan to eliminate Nigeria’s long-standing metering gap.
He explained that the Federal Government is importing a total of 3.4 million meters in two batches under DISREP. Of the 1.43 million meters in the first batch, nearly one million units have already arrived, with about 150,000 meters installed nationwide so far.
“What we have received today is close to 500,000 smart meters,” Adelabu said. “I believe the journey toward completely closing the meter gap in Nigeria’s power sector has now begun, even though I am not entirely satisfied with the current pace.”
The minister expressed optimism that within a few years, every household, business, and institution in the country would be fully metered, making electricity billing more transparent, fair, and credible, while also improving consumer confidence and payment discipline.
Describing the initiative as unprecedented, Adelabu said the Tinubu administration is taking concrete steps to reform the power sector rather than making empty promises.
“This is the first time in our history that government is importing and locally procuring this volume of meters to transform the power sector. Nigerians can see that this reform is real. We are openly declaring that these meters are free, and any attempt to collect money is illegal,” he said.
He disclosed that the government would closely monitor the installation process, working with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and state electricity regulators. A customer complaint desk will also be created to allow consumers report cases of extortion.
“We will track and monitor installations end-to-end. We will also rely on tip-offs from Nigerians. Once we have confirmed cases of extortion, the officials involved no matter how highly placed will be prosecuted and publicly exposed as a deterrent to others,” Adelabu warned.
The minister added that the government is collaborating with DisCos to clean up customer data and addresses, which have slowed down meter deployment in the past. He said a register for unmetered customers would be introduced to fast-track installations nationwide.
Addressing concerns about discrimination among electricity bands, Adelabu clarified that the free meters are meant for all categories of consumers, regardless of whether they fall under Band A, B, or C.
“The meter gap cuts across all customers. We are not discriminating. Every Nigerian electricity user will benefit. The band classification is temporary and does not restrict access to these meters,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Ayo Gbeleyi, said the bureau coordinates the implementation of DISREP and sits on the boards of all 11 DisCos.
Gbeleyi revealed that NERC would soon issue a circular outlining strict protocols DisCos must follow to ensure unhindered meter installations, adding that the programme is being monitored using dashboards and tracking systems.
He further explained that the meters are customised for specific DisCos, with built-in anti-theft features, noting that meters configured for one DisCo cannot be installed in another franchise area.
On her part, Chairman of Mojec, Mojisola Abdul, confirmed that nearly 150,000 meters have already been installed free of charge, urging Nigerians not to give money to anyone.
“If you register today, your meter will be installed within three days,” she said, adding that mobile registration for free meters is being rolled out nationwide.
Responding to journalists’ concerns about delays experienced in the past, Adelabu acknowledged public skepticism but assured Nigerians that the new programme addresses previous shortcomings.
“In the past, meters were scarce and required payment. This time, supply is sufficient, and installation is free. We have identified past challenges and already developed solutions to ensure smooth implementation,” he said.
The minister also visited the National Meter Test Station in Oshodi, where meters are certified by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) to ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.
Nigeria currently has over five million electricity customers under estimated billing.
About the Author
