ABUJA, NIGERIA-The Federal Government has unveiled plans to deploy seven million electricity meters across the country as part of a major reform programme aimed at ending estimated billing, improving revenue collection, and restoring confidence in Nigeria’s struggling power sector.
The initiative, announced by the Federal Ministry of Power, is expected to significantly reduce disputes between electricity consumers and distribution companies (DisCos) over billing practices. Millions of Nigerians currently rely on estimated billing due to the shortage of prepaid and smart meters, a situation that has generated widespread complaints over the years.
According to government officials, the mass metering programme forms a key component of broader efforts to modernise the electricity industry, improve accountability, and ensure consumers pay only for the electricity they actually use.
The deployment of seven million meters is also expected to strengthen revenue collection across the sector by reducing energy theft, curbing billing inefficiencies, and providing more accurate consumption data for electricity distribution companies.
Authorities say the programme will be implemented in phases, with priority given to unmetered customers across the country’s electricity distribution networks. The government believes the exercise will help bridge the metering gap and improve service delivery to households and businesses.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move, describing it as a crucial step toward addressing one of the most persistent challenges facing Nigeria’s power sector. They argue that wider access to meters will not only improve transparency but also encourage greater trust between consumers and electricity providers.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to ongoing reforms designed to increase power sector efficiency, attract investment, and provide more reliable electricity supply to Nigerians.
The announcement comes amid growing calls for improved electricity services and greater accountability within the nation’s power industry.
