In a decisive move to address Nigeria’s longstanding power sector issues, President Bola Tinubu has directed that all households, businesses, institutions, and industries be fully metered within the next five years. Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed this during a visit to the MBH Power meter factory in Mowe, Ogun State, highlighting the president’s dissatisfaction with the current metering gap of eight million.
Adelabu emphasized that the lack of adequate metering is a key factor contributing to poor liquidity in the power sector, with less than 50 percent of electricity consumers currently metered. This situation has led to revenue shortfalls and inefficiencies in electricity distribution, hindering the sector’s growth.
In response, the ministry has launched the Presidential Metering Initiative, overseen by the Presidential Metering Council, aiming to install two million meters annually. This ambitious plan seeks to close the metering gap significantly in the short to mid-term and eliminate it entirely in the long term.
The minister underscored that comprehensive metering is crucial not only for ensuring fair billing but also for improving the financial health of the power sector. By providing accurate consumption data, the initiative is expected to enhance revenue collection, reduce energy theft, and foster greater transparency in electricity distribution.
Observers in the sector say this directive marks a critical step in the administration’s broader efforts to reform Nigeria’s power sector as it will ensure consumers are billed accurately and fairly while addressing the sector’s financial challenges.
As the initiative rolls out, it is anticipated to bring lasting improvements to the country’s electricity supply and distribution network.
