The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to stop the sale of electricity meters to Nigerians, adding, the meters will henceforth be made available and installed free of charge.
The FG made the announcement through the National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Thursday 29 January, 2026.
DisCos, as well as, meter installers are now directed by the FG to hereupon provide smart meters to Nigerians at no cost; and warned any DisCo that fails to heed to this directive will face prosecution.
Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, said, electricity meters have been provided through the World Bank–funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) to ensure the improvement of billing and collections within the power sector.
Therefore, any move to charge consumers for the provision and installation of these meters is “illegal”, the Minister said.
A statement by the NOA titled ‘Electricity Meters, Not for Sale – FG’ reads: “Electricity meters will henceforth be provided and installed free of charge as the federal government has directed electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) and meter installers to henceforth provide smart meters for consumers at no cost, warning DISCOs who may wish to shortchange Nigerians to desist or face prosecution.
“The federal government, speaking recently through the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, revealed that meters have been procured under the World Bank–funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), to improve billing and collections across the power sector. He therefore described any attempt to charge consumers for both the provision and installation of these meters as acts of illegality that are unacceptable.”
Adelabu revealed, the Federal Government targets to bring into the country a total of 3.4 million meters, adding, one million have been delivered already.
The Statement further reads: “With support from the World Bank-funded DISREP, the federal government aims to import a total of 3.4 million meters. Already, about one million of these have been delivered.
“Full metering of consumers will enhance transparency in billings, boost consumers’ preparedness to pay and improve liquidity in the sector which will ultimately improve service delivery to the consumers.”
Photo: Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power
