Despite demand, 2.5m electricity meters may waste away as FG, DisCos trade blame

Nigeria’s electricity metering crisis has taken a new turn as the Federal Government and electricity distribution companies (DisCos) clash over delays in the installation of millions of prepaid meters meant to close the country’s widening metering gap.

The Federal Government has warned that up to 2.5 million electricity meters could remain unused in warehouses by the end of 2026, despite huge consumer demand and ongoing efforts to end estimated billing across the country.

The meters were procured under the National Mass Metering Programme and the Presidential Power Initiative, with funding support from the World Bank and the Federation Account. The initiative was designed to reduce Nigeria’s current metering deficit of about seven million customers, many of whom are still subjected to controversial estimated billing.

However, progress has been slow.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed that only 150,000 meters have been installed out of an initial one million already procured under the Federal Government’s free metering scheme.

He cautioned that unless installation improves significantly, unused meters could rise to 2.5 million as additional supplies arrive.

FG blames DisCos for delays

The Federal Government has accused DisCos of frustrating the rollout by failing to provide accurate customer data and adequate support for installers.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu said the companies have not properly enumerated customers, leading installers to wrong addresses or locations not ready for metering.

In some cases, the ministry noted that only four out of every ten surveyed sites are viable for immediate installation.

Adelabu explained that the intervention became necessary due to years of underperformance by DisCos, who are legally responsible for metering customers.

Under the World Bank-backed Distribution Sector Recovery Programme, the government procured meters directly and embedded installation costs into the contracts to ensure consumers pay nothing.

The minister insisted that ending estimated billing remains a key reform priority and is “non-negotiable” for the current administration.

DisCos reject allegations

Some DisCos, however, have pushed back against the government’s claims, blaming contractor inefficiency and poor logistics for the slow pace of deployment.

A senior official of a northern DisCo, who spoke anonymously, said deliveries had fallen short of expectations.

According to him, although over 109,000 meters were contracted for the utility, fewer than half were supplied, and about 33,000 have so far been installed.

The official also criticised the appointment of a single installer to cover multiple states, describing the arrangement as unrealistic.

Installers, he added, often lack vehicles and are poorly paid, discouraging proper surveys and installation checks.

Meanwhile, a southern DisCo denied hoarding meters, stating that the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme had not yet commenced in its franchise area.

Governance and regulation concerns

Energy experts say the controversy reflects deeper structural problems in Nigeria’s power sector.

Energy economist Prof. Adeola Adenikinju stressed the need for stronger enforcement of regulations, noting that sanctions should apply where DisCos fail in their obligations.

Similarly, Prof. Wunmi Iledare described the situation as a symptom of weak governance and regulatory lapses, questioning why the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has been reluctant to apply penalties.

Civil society backs Adelabu

A coalition of civil society organisations under the Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC) has supported Adelabu’s directive that the meters must be installed free of charge.

The group alleged that some DisCos still demand between N200,000 and N350,000 from consumers for installation, despite government assurances that the meters are free.

NHRC warned that continued exploitation through estimated billing and illegal charges could trigger mass action against distribution companies.

Calls for decisive action

Former President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Prof. Segun Ajibola, criticised the lack of coordination within the electricity value chain and urged the Federal Government to take firm action against resistance to prepaid metering.

He argued that prepaid meters reduce arbitrary billing and cut off “undeserved revenue,” making some operators reluctant to embrace the reforms fully.

As tensions deepen among government agencies, contractors and DisCos, millions of Nigerians remain trapped under estimated billing, awaiting the promised relief of universal prepaid metering.