The Federal Government has announced plans to deploy seven million electricity meters nationwide in a renewed effort to eliminate estimated billing and restore consumer confidence in Nigeria’s electricity sector.
The initiative, which will be implemented under the Presidential Metering Initiative alongside a World Bank-supported programme, is aimed at expanding metering coverage, improving revenue collection and strengthening the financial sustainability of the power industry.
Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, disclosed the plan during an energy conference organised by the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce in Lagos, where stakeholders reviewed ongoing reforms in the country’s energy sector.
According to her, improved metering will protect electricity consumers from arbitrary charges and reduce the widespread practice of estimated billing, which has generated persistent complaints across the country.
Current metering coverage has risen to about 57 per cent, but millions of consumers remain without meters. The new rollout is expected to bridge the gap, enhance transparency and enforce greater commercial discipline within the power sector.
The government also said the metering programme forms part of broader reforms designed to attract fresh investments and improve liquidity across the electricity value chain.
In addition, authorities have initiated a debt reduction programme estimated at up to ₦4 trillion to settle outstanding obligations owed to power generation companies and gas suppliers.
Industry experts believe that the mass deployment of smart meters will curb revenue leakages, reduce electricity theft and foster a more reliable and financially viable power sector.
For years, estimated billing has remained one of the most contentious issues in Nigeria’s electricity market, with consumers repeatedly demanding prepaid meters and greater accountability from distribution companies.
The latest intervention is expected to accelerate the government’s drive toward achieving universal metering and improving electricity service delivery nationwide.
