By Deborah Nnamdi
The Federal Government has revealed that it will start receiving the first batch of 3,205,101 pre-paid meters in April 2025, as part of its initiative to address Nigeria’s electricity metering gap.
Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu shared this information in a statement issued on Sunday, signed by his Special Adviser on Communication and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji.
The statement further indicated that the first set of 75,000 meters, under the International Competitive Bid 1, is expected to arrive next month, with a second batch of 200,000 meters scheduled for delivery in May 2025.
“It has been reported that the power sector is facing metering challenges, but such a narrative overlooks significant strides being made in narrowing the gap,” the statement read in part.
Adelabu said the Federal Government remains committed to bridging the shortfall through targeted interventions and structured implementation strategies, adding that over 5.5 million electricity customers had already been metered as of December 2024.
“While challenges persist, the facts tell a more balanced story. As of December 2024, 5,502,460 customers—about 55 percent of Nigeria’s 10,114,060 active electricity users—had been metered,” the statement said.
“In 2024 alone, 572,050 meters were installed, while the average yearly installation rate currently stands at 668,000.”
To fast-track deployment, the government is relying on two major initiatives: the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme and the recently launched ₦700 billion Presidential Metering Initiative.
Under the DISREP scheme, 3.2 million meters are to be delivered by 2026 through various procurement models—1,437,501 meters via ICB1, 217,600 via National Competitive Bidding, and 1.55 million through a second international bid.
The Presidential Metering Initiative, on the other hand, is aimed at supplying two million meters annually for the next five years. Backed by N700bn from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, the program will be managed by a Special Purpose Vehicle to ensure large-scale procurement and distribution.
A tender for the first batch of two million meters under the PMI is expected to be issued in the third quarter of 2025.
While the minister acknowledged that the metering gap remains a concern, he dismissed claims that it would take over a decade to close the deficit as misleading.
“With structured financing and targeted implementation already in motion, the country’s metering landscape is poised for significant improvement before the end of the year,” Adelabu assured.
