The Federal Government has ordered electricity distribution companies and their installers to stop collecting money from customers for electricity meters. Anyone found demanding payment will be prosecuted.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, gave the warning during an inspection of newly imported smart meters at Apapa port in Lagos. He said the meters were bought under a World Bank supported programme and must be installed for customers free of charge.
According to the minister, the government has received about 500,000 new smart meters, adding to nearly one million meters already imported. Around 150,000 meters have been installed across the country so far. The goal is to close the metering gap and end estimated billing.
Adelabu said all electricity users will receive meters regardless of their tariff band. He warned that it is illegal for any DisCo worker or installer to request money before or after installation.
He explained that proper metering will improve billing, increase trust, and help the power sector collect revenue more fairly. He added that complaint channels will be created so customers can report any form of extortion.
The minister said the government is working with regulators and distribution companies to speed up installation and fix customer data problems. He also promised that offenders will be publicly prosecuted to stop others from breaking the law.
Officials from the Bureau of Public Enterprises confirmed that new rules will soon be issued to ensure faster meter installation. They added that the meters are made specifically for each distribution company and cannot be used elsewhere.
The government said this effort is part of a broader plan to reform the power sector and reduce the number of customers still on estimated billing, which currently stands at over five million.
