The Federal Government has announced that it will start receiving the initial batch of 3,205,101 pre-paid meters in April 2025, as part of its initiative to address Nigeria’s electricity metering deficit.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, shared this information in a statement on Sunday, which was signed by his Special Adviser on Communication and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji.
The statement indicated that the first delivery of 75,000 meters, part of the International Competitive Bid 1, is anticipated next month, followed by a second batch of 200,000 meters in May 2025.
“While it has been reported that the power sector is facing metering challenges, this perspective fails to recognize the significant progress being made to close the gap,” the statement noted.
Adelabu emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the shortfall through targeted interventions and structured implementation strategies, highlighting that over 5.5 million electricity customers have already been accounted for.
“Despite ongoing challenges, the data presents a more nuanced picture. As of December 2024, 5,502,460 customers—approximately 55 percent of Nigeria’s 10,114,060 active electricity users—have been metered,” the statement noted.
“In 2024 alone, 572,050 meters were installed, with the average annual installation rate currently at 668,000.”
To accelerate the deployment of meters, the government is focusing on two key initiatives: the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme and the newly launched ₦700 billion Presidential Metering Initiative.
Through the DISREP scheme, 3.2 million meters are expected to be delivered by 2026 using various procurement methods—1,437,501 meters through International Competitive Bidding (ICB1), 217,600 via National Competitive Bidding, and 1.55 million through a second international bid.
Conversely, the Presidential Metering Initiative aims to provide two million meters each year for the next five years. Supported by ₦700 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, this program will be overseen by a Special Task Force.
A tender for the initial batch of two million meters under the PMI is anticipated to be released in the third quarter of 2025.
The minister recognized that the metering gap is still a concern but rejected assertions that it would take more than ten years to address the deficit, calling them misleading.
“With structured financing and focused implementation already underway, the country’s metering situation is set for substantial improvement by the end of the year,” Adelabu stated.
