FG Cracks Down On Meter Extortion, Declares Free Installation

FG Issues Stern Warning to DisCos

THE Federal Government has outlawed all charges for electricity meter installation, cautioning electricity distribution companies and installers that any violation would attract prosecution.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, announced the decision in Lagos during an inspection of newly imported smart meters under the World Bank-funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme.

Massive Meter Import Underway

Adelabu said the government had received nearly one million meters under the first batch of DISREP, including 500,000 newly arrived smart meters, with about 150,000 already installed nationwide.

He said the programme would deliver 3.4 million meters in total, marking the largest metering intervention in Nigeria’s history.

“These meters are free—installation included. Any attempt to charge consumers is illegal,” he said.

Tracking, Tip-Offs, and Sanctions

The minister disclosed that installation would be closely monitored through regulators and state authorities. He urged Nigerians to report any demand for payment.

“Confirmed cases of extortion will be prosecuted and publicised. No official is above the law,” he said.

BPE and NERC to Enforce Compliance

BPE Director-General Ayo Gbeleyi said NERC would soon issue a circular defining strict protocols for DisCos to ensure seamless installation.

He added that meters are DisCo-specific, anti-theft enabled, and tailored to each distribution network.

Manufacturers Confirm Free Deployment

Mojec Chairman Mojisola Abdul confirmed that installations were ongoing at no cost and encouraged consumers to reject any payment requests.

She said a mobile registration system would accelerate deployment.

Ending Estimated Billing

Adelabu said the initiative would eliminate estimated billing, improve transparency, and boost sector liquidity.

“We are prioritising every Nigerian, regardless of electricity band. The era of meter charges is over,” he said.