Millions Still On Estimated Billing As Free Meters Gather Dust
Idle Meters, Angry Consumers
NIGERIA’S electricity metering crisis has taken a troubling turn as tensions escalate between the Federal Government and electricity distribution companies (DisCos) over the slow rollout of prepaid meters—despite millions already procured and paid for. At the centre of the dispute is the likelihood that up to 2.5 million meters could remain unused in warehouses by the end of 2026, even as over seven million customers remain on estimated billing.
The meters were procured under the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) and the Presidential Power Initiative, with funding support from the World Bank and the Federation Account. The initiative was designed to close Nigeria’s massive metering gap, end arbitrary billing, and rebuild trust between electricity consumers and service providers.
FG Blames DisCos for Slow Deployment
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed that out of an initial one million meters already delivered, only about 150,000 have been installed after eight months. He warned that unless installation accelerates, incoming meter shipments could push the number of idle units to 2.5 million.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media, Bolaji Tunji, the minister accused DisCos of frustrating the process by failing to provide accurate customer data and adequate logistical support to installers. According to the ministry, installers are often sent to wrong addresses or to premises that are not technically ready for metering.
“The meters are available, installers have been paid, and installation costs are already embedded in procurement,” the ministry said, stressing that consumers are not required to pay a kobo.
Why Government Stepped In
The Federal Government said its intervention became necessary after years of underperformance by DisCos, who are legally responsible for metering customers. Through the World Bank–funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), the government procured meters directly, ensuring free installation to eliminate barriers that previously slowed deployment.
Each meter is configured specifically for the DisCo operating in the designated area, making cross-deployment impossible. Despite these safeguards, meters are reportedly piling up in warehouses.
DisCos Push Back
However, DisCos have rejected allegations of deliberate obstruction. A senior official of a northern-based DisCo said deliveries have fallen far short of contracted quantities.
“Out of 109,251 meters allocated to us, fewer than 49,000 were delivered. We’ve installed about 33,000 already,” the official said, adding that installations have recently improved to about 800 meters per day.
The official blamed contractor capacity and weak logistics, revealing that a single installer was assigned to cover multiple states without adequate vehicles. Installers, he added, are poorly paid, discouraging thorough surveys.
A southern DisCo also denied hoarding meters, stating that the DISREP programme had not commenced in its franchise area.
Regulatory and Governance Gaps
Sources at the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) revealed that some DisCos delayed installations under the Meter Acquisition Fund, preferring direct cash allocations to manage procurement themselves—an approach that previously triggered legal disputes.
According to Sunday Oduntan, Executive Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), DisCos have no incentive to reject free meters and share the goal of universal metering.
Experts Call for Enforcement
Energy economist Prof. Adeola Adenikinju said the crisis reflects weak enforcement rather than flawed policy. He urged the government to apply sanctions where DisCos fail to meet obligations and consider empowering third parties to install meters.
Similarly, Prof. Wunmi Iledare warned that Nigeria’s pseudo-monopoly distribution structure and lax regulation continue to reward inefficiency, eroding consumer confidence.
Civil Society Backs Adelabu
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC) accused some DisCos of extortion, alleging demands of ₦200,000 to ₦350,000 for supposedly free meters. The coalition vowed to mobilise mass action if consumer exploitation persists.
As millions remain trapped on estimated billing, the standoff raises a critical question: Can Nigeria end estimated billing without enforcing accountability across its power sector?
