The Nigerian government has ordered a nationwide rollout of free electricity meters, warning electricity distribution companies (DisCos) and installers against charging consumers for meter supply or installation. The directive, announced by Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, was issued during an inspection of 500,000 newly imported smart meters at APM Terminals, Apapa, Lagos.
Adelabu explained that the meters, funded under the World Bank–supported Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), are aimed at accelerating access to accurate electricity billing while addressing the long-standing metering deficit in the country. The initiative will facilitate the deployment of about 3.4 million smart meters nationwide, with nearly one million already in Nigeria and 150,000 installed so far.
“It is unprecedented that these meters are to be installed and distributed to consumers free of charge—free of charge! Nobody should collect money from any consumer. It is an illegality,” Adelabu said, emphasizing that violations would be prosecuted.
However, the directive has drawn concern from DisCos, who described the government’s announcement as politically motivated and lacking consultation with key stakeholders. Operators, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, explained that the so-called free meters would still be financed by the DisCos over a 10-year period, raising questions about who would bear installation costs, since meter installers are independent contractors, not DisCo staff.
“Someone has to pay for the meters and installation. If the government expects DisCos to shoulder this, it will affect financial balance and operations,” one operator said. Another described the announcement as a “populist political statement” that did not consider cost recovery, warning that the directive could undermine the ongoing Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme, which allows customers to purchase meters directly.
Operators noted that the government should clarify which areas and categories of consumers are eligible for the free meters. “People are now rejecting the MAP scheme because they’ve heard meters are free. This could create confusion and unrest among customers,” a DisCo official added.