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 found extorting customers will face prosecution. The move marks a decisive intervention aimed at ending long-standing complaints of illegal charges and sharp practices in Nigeria’s power sector.
The directive was announced by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, during an inspection of newly imported electricity meters at the Apapa port in Lagos. According to the minister, all meters being deployed under the Federal Government’s current intervention programmes are to be installed for customers at no cost whatsoever, stressing that any demand for payment is illegal.
Adelabu made it clear that the ban applies nationwide and covers all categories of electricity consumers, irrespective of tariff band or location. He warned that neither DisCos nor their contracted third-party installers are permitted to request money for meter supply, transportation, installation, or activation, describing such practices as exploitation of consumers.
The meters are being deployed under the World Bank-supported Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), which is designed to close Nigeria’s metering gap and improve transparency in electricity billing. The programme targets millions of unmetered customers who have for years been subjected to estimated billing and frequent disputes with distribution companies.
Government officials disclosed that large consignments of smart meters have already arrived in the country, with more expected in phases. The rollout, they said, will accelerate nationwide metering, reduce revenue leakages, and restore confidence in the electricity billing system by ensuring customers pay only for the energy they actually consume.
The minister warned that the Federal Government would not hesitate to take legal action against any DisCo official or installer found violating the directive. He stated that complaints from consumers would be investigated and offenders sanctioned in line with existing laws and regulatory frameworks governing the power sector.
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To ensure compliance, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has been tasked with monitoring meter deployment and enforcing the ban. The commission is expected to work closely with consumer groups and field officers to track installations and promptly address reports of extortion or illegal charges.
Adelabu noted that the government’s decision was driven by the need to protect electricity consumers and eliminate practices that undermine reforms in the sector. He emphasised that free metering is a core component of the ongoing power sector recovery plan and must not be sabotaged by corrupt practices.
For years, Nigeria’s electricity sector has been plagued by a wide metering deficit, leaving millions of households and businesses at the mercy of estimated billing. Analysts say the latest directive, if fully enforced, could significantly reduce consumer grievances and improve the relationship between electricity users and distribution companies.
The Federal Government urged consumers to remain vigilant and report any attempt by DisCos or installers to demand payment for meters. Officials reiterated that the success of the free meter programme depends on strict enforcement, transparency, and active public cooperation to ensure that the benefits of the reform reach electricity users across the country.
