The Federal Government has banned electricity distribution companies (DisCos) and installers from charging consumers for electricity meters, warning that any official caught extorting customers will face prosecution.
Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, issued the directive on Thursday during an inspection of 500,000 newly imported smart meters at APM Terminals, Apapa, Lagos. The meters, procured under the World Bank-funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), are to be installed free of charge.
“This is unprecedented; these meters must be installed free of charge. Any request for payment is illegal and will be treated as a criminal offence,” Adelabu stressed.
The programme aims to eliminate Nigeria’s longstanding metering deficit. DISREP will import a total of 3.4 million smart meters in two batches. The first batch of 1.43 million meters is nearly complete, with about 150,000 already installed nationwide. The newly arrived 500,000 meters mark the next phase of rollout.
Adelabu expressed optimism that all households, businesses, and institutions will eventually be fully metered, which he said will improve billing transparency, reduce estimated billing, and increase liquidity in the power sector.
“This is like walking the talk. For the first time in our history, a government is importing and distributing meters at this scale to transform the power sector,” he said.
The minister warned that meter installation is free for all consumers, and the government will actively monitor compliance. A customer complaint desk will be set up to report illegal demands, and confirmed cases will be prosecuted and publicised as deterrents.
“Extortion is not allowed. Any DisCo official or installer demanding money will be held accountable, no matter their rank,” Adelabu said.
Adelabu confirmed that the initiative covers all categories of electricity users. “No customer will be left behind. Meters will be distributed across all bands, ensuring equitable access,” he said.
The minister also visited the National Meter Test Station in Oshodi, confirming that meters meet national standards. Currently, over five million Nigerian customers are under-estimated billing, a situation the government is determined to end.
