The Federal Authorities has introduced plans to begin the total rollout of free electrical energy meters below the Presidential Metering Initiative by the fourth quarter of 2025, as a part of efforts to shut Nigeria’s long-standing metering hole and enhance effectivity within the energy sector.
Talking on the Day 2 session of the Nigerian Electrical energy Provide Trade Stakeholders Assembly held on Tuesday in Lagos, a consultant of the Particular Adviser to the President on Power, Eriye Onagoruwa, supplied updates on the PMI, noting that the initiative is designed to ship over six million meters to finish customers for free of charge.
Based on Onagoruwa, funding for the meters will come from a mixture of sources, together with the Distribution Sector Restoration Programme, the Federation Account, and the Meter Asset Fund.
She added that the PMI is concentrated on deploying meters to high-consumption areas first, starting with Band A prospects who usually obtain probably the most hours of electrical energy provide.
“Key to our success is streamlining the installer certification course of, strengthening communication infrastructure, and making certain implementation readiness throughout all stakeholders,” she stated, in keeping with a submit on the official X deal with of the Nigerian Electrical energy Regulatory Fee.
The initiative, she stated, is being pushed by way of strategic coordination between the Bureau of Public Enterprises, the Nationwide Energy Coaching Institute of Nigeria, and the electrical energy distribution firms.
“Over six million meters are deliberate from a number of sources, together with DISREP, Federation Account, and the Meter Asset Fund. Key priorities embody streamlining installer certification, deploying meters to high-consumption areas (beginning with Band A prospects), and making certain sturdy communication infrastructure.
“Full rollout is focused for This autumn 2025, with ongoing coordination amongst DisCos, BPE, and NAPTIN to make sure implementation readiness,” she added.
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The absence of widespread metering has lengthy undermined the transparency and monetary sustainability of the ability sector, with hundreds of thousands of electrical energy shoppers nonetheless on estimated billing.
Earlier this 12 months, the ability minister, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, stated the federal government was anticipating about 75,000 meters below the Worldwide Aggressive Bid 1 by April 2025, with a second batch of 200,000 meters that can comply with in Might 2025.
Stakeholders on the assembly agreed that accelerating metering is not going to solely enhance income assurance for Discos but additionally rebuild belief amongst shoppers.
The PMI, which was unveiled in 2023, is central to President Bola Tinubu’s broader power reforms geared toward addressing systemic inefficiencies in electrical energy provide and billing.
Additionally on the agenda throughout Day 2 of the NESI Stakeholders Assembly was Nigeria’s ongoing transition to state electrical energy markets in step with the Electrical energy Act 2023, which devolves regulatory powers to subnational governments.
Displays revealed that 11 states have to this point begun the transition course of, with seven — together with Enugu, Ondo, Ekiti, Imo, Oyo, Edo, and Kogi — having absolutely transitioned to managing their electrical energy markets.
Members on the session emphasised the significance of capability constructing, funding readiness, and regulatory coordination to make sure the success of state-led electrical energy frameworks.
The stakeholders’ assembly was marked by sturdy dialogue, with regulators, Discos, policymakers, and technical companions all contributing to discussions on sensible options to Nigeria’s energy challenges.
From aligning federal and state laws to increasing grid entry and enhancing service supply, the deliberations mirrored a shared resolve to form a extra resilient and responsive energy sector.
The NESI Stakeholders Assembly continues to function a vital platform for reviewing progress and aligning efforts throughout the electrical energy worth chain, particularly as Nigeria navigates its path towards a extra decentralised and environment friendly power future.
