By Goodnews Eminue
The Federal Government has directed electricity distribution companies (DisCos) nationwide to provide and install smart meters free of charge, warning that any official found demanding payment from consumers risks prosecution.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed that the meters were procured under the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at reforming Nigeria’s electricity distribution system.
According to the minister, the programme is designed to eliminate estimated billing, enhance transparency in electricity charges, and improve revenue collection across the power sector. He stressed that demanding payment for meter supply or installation is illegal and undermines ongoing reforms.
Under the initiative, the Federal Government plans to deploy about 3.4 million meters nationwide, with approximately one million units already delivered for distribution. The government noted that full metering of consumers would ensure fair billing, boost payment compliance, and improve overall service delivery in the electricity sector.
However, despite the directive, residents in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, have alleged that officials of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PhED) are demanding payments before installing or activating prepaid meters.
Residents and students along Udo Ekpo Mkpo Street claimed that officials requested up to ₦50,000 to facilitate meter connection, despite the government’s position that the process should be free.
The affected residents described the demand as exploitative and contrary to federal policy, alleging that the charges were presented as “connection fees” rather than payment for the meters.
They also claimed they were informed that outstanding electricity debts would be transferred to the newly installed prepaid meters.
The residents have called on the Federal Government and relevant regulatory authorities to investigate the allegations and enforce compliance, warning that such practices could undermine public trust in ongoing power sector reforms.
