The Federal Government has placed electricity distribution companies (DisCos) and their installers on notice, banning the collection of any fees for electricity meter installation and warning that offenders will face prosecution and stiff sanctions. Njenje Media reports that the directive forms part of renewed efforts to protect electricity consumers and curb extortion in the power sector.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, issued the warning on Thursday during an on-site inspection of 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 for consumers nationwide at no cost.
Adelabu stressed that any DisCo official or installer demanding money—directly or indirectly—from customers commits a criminal offence. According to him, government will prosecute confirmed cases publicly to serve as a deterrent. Njenje Media understands that special monitoring mechanisms and complaint desks are being activated to track installations and expose violations.
The minister disclosed that about 500,000 smart meters have just arrived as part of the first batch of 1.43 million meters, with nearly one million meters already received and about 150,000 installed across the country. Another 1.55 million meters are expected in the second phase, bringing the total to about 3.4 million meters under the programme.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of installation but maintained optimism that within a few years, every household, business and institution would be fully metered, improving transparency, billing accuracy and liquidity in the power sector.
“This is unprecedented. Never before has government imported and locally procured this volume of meters for free distribution. Nigerians must understand clearly: meter distribution and installation are free. Any request for money is illegal, and offenders—no matter how highly placed—will be punished,” Adelabu said.
To enforce compliance, the minister said government will work with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), state regulators, and consumer tip-offs to identify and sanction erring officials. A register of unmetered customers will also be created to fast-track installations.
Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Ayo Gbeleyi, added that NERC would soon issue new directives compelling DisCos to provide unhindered access for meter installation, warning that delays and sabotage would attract regulatory action.
Similarly, Mojec Chairman, Mojisola Abdul, reiterated that the meters are free and urged Nigerians not to pay any individual for installation, assuring that new mobile registration initiatives would significantly reduce waiting time.
The Tinubu administration says the aggressive metering drive is aimed at ending estimated billing for over five million customers and restoring confidence in the power sector. Njenje Media notes that government has vowed to pursue the reforms “end-to-end” and ensure DisCos do not frustrate efforts to deliver affordable, transparent and reliable electricity to Nigerians.
