The federal government has announced plans to distribute 1.4 million smart electricity meters to consumers across the country at no cost, following the arrival of the equipment in Lagos. Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed this while inspecting the shipment and other power sector projects in the state.
The inspection began at the APM Terminal, Apapa Wharf, where the Minister confirmed the arrival of 23 containers conveying 1.4 million smart meters. The meters are part of a World Bank-supported programme aimed at reducing Nigeria’s estimated eight-million-meter deficit across eleven Electricity Distribution Companies, DisCos.
Speaking to journalists after the inspection, Adelabu said the visit was important to personally verify the delivery and ensure speedy clearance of the equipment at the port. “I needed to be here to physically confirm the arrival of these meters and to ensure that all bottlenecks to their clearance are removed,” he said.
He explained that the initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the World Bank to accelerate metering nationwide, improve transparency in electricity billing, and enhance liquidity in the power sector. Adelabu stressed that the smart meters would not be sold to consumers.
“These smart meters will be distributed to electricity customers free of charge, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President,” the Minister stated. “This is about fairness, accountability, and rebuilding trust between consumers and the power sector.”
From Apapa Wharf, the Minister moved to inspect the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, 2x60MVA Gas-Insulated Switchgear, GIS, Transmission Substation in Apapa. The facility is currently undergoing rehabilitation with support from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, JICA.
Adelabu described the project as vital to improving electricity supply to Apapa, noting the area’s commercial and industrial importance. “Once completed, this substation will significantly improve electricity supply to Apapa and its environs,” he said.
The inspection tour ended at the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, NEMSA, National Meter Test Station, NMTS, in Oshodi, where the Minister reviewed facilities responsible for ensuring meter accuracy and compliance with national standards during the official inspection visit exercise.
The federal government had earlier distributed 1.3 million electricity meters under a metering initiative as part of efforts to close the metering gap in Nigeria’s power sector.
