The Federal Government has barred electricity distribution companies (DisCos) and their installers from charging consumers for meter installation, warning that anyone found extorting customers will face prosecution.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, issued the warning on Thursday during an inspection of newly imported smart meters at APM Terminals, Apapa, Lagos. He explained that the meters were procured under the World Bank–funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) and must be installed for consumers at no cost.
Adelabu expressed satisfaction with the arrival of an additional batch of 500,000 smart meters, noting that they are part of efforts to close Nigeria’s metering gap. He stressed that the meters would be distributed to all electricity consumers, irrespective of service band, and that any demand for payment—by DisCo officials or third-party installers—would be treated as an offence.
According to the minister, the Federal Government plans to import about 3.4 million meters in two phases under DISREP. Of the first batch of 1.43 million meters, nearly one million have already arrived, with about 150,000 installed nationwide. He added that the newly received 500,000 meters mark a major step toward eliminating estimated billing in the power sector.
Adelabu admitted dissatisfaction with the pace of installation but expressed optimism that, within a few years, households, businesses, and institutions would be fully metered, improving transparency, fairness, and revenue collection in the electricity sector.
He emphasised that the free distribution of meters is unprecedented and reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to meaningful reform. To ensure compliance, the government plans to closely monitor installations, establish customer complaint desks, and rely on regulatory agencies such as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and state authorities to act on reports of extortion.
The minister warned that confirmed cases of illegal charges would lead to prosecution, regardless of the offender’s position, adding that such actions would be publicised to deter others.
Adelabu also assured Nigerians that the programme covers all categories of electricity users and is not limited to specific customer bands, describing the band system as a temporary arrangement for implementing reforms.
Addressing concerns about possible delays by DisCos, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Ayo Gbeleyi, said the bureau is coordinating DISREP implementation and monitoring DisCos closely. He revealed that NERC would soon issue guidelines to ensure unhindered access for meter installations.
Gbeleyi added that the meters are customised for each DisCo, with built-in anti-theft features, making them non-transferable across distribution zones.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Mojec, Mojisola Abdul, confirmed that about 150,000 meters have already been installed free of charge and urged consumers not to pay anyone for meter installation. She disclosed plans for a mobile registration process that would enable registered customers to receive meters within three days.
Responding to concerns about past delays and payments, Adelabu acknowledged public scepticism but assured Nigerians that the new programme resolves previous challenges by ensuring sufficient meter supply and free installation. He said measures are already in place to address foreseeable obstacles.
The minister also visited the National Meter Test Station in Oshodi, where meters are certified by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency. He noted that Nigeria still has over five million customers on estimated billing, underscoring the urgency of the metering initiative.