The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) and approved meter installers to provide and install electricity meters for consumers at no cost.
The government warned that any attempt to charge Nigerians for the service will attract prosecution.
The directive was announced in a post shared on the National Orientation Agency (NOA) X handle, quoting the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.
Adelabu stressed that electricity meters are “not for sale,” explaining that the government has already procured smart meters under the World Bank–funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP).
He said charging consumers for the provision or installation of these meters is illegal and will not be tolerated.
“Meters are not for sale. Any attempt to charge Nigerians for them is against the law,” Adelabu declared.
DISREP Programme and Meter Rollout
The minister explained that the DISREP initiative is designed to improve billing accuracy and revenue collection across Nigeria’s power sector.
Under the programme, the Federal Government plans to import 3.4 million smart meters, with about one million already delivered into the country.
According to Adelabu, full metering of electricity consumers will promote transparency in billing, increase consumers’ willingness to pay, and improve liquidity within the sector.
He added that the initiative will ultimately lead to better and more reliable electricity service delivery nationwide.
The government cautioned DISCOs to comply strictly with the directive. Any attempt to shortchange consumers or demand payment for meters will be treated as a serious offence.
Officials emphasized that the free meter installation policy is part of broader reforms aimed at restoring trust between consumers and electricity providers.
This comes after widespread complaints about estimated billing, which has long been a source of tension between Nigerians and power companies.
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