The Federal Government on Sunday announced that it has secured N700 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee to fund a large-scale metering programme aimed at deploying two million meters annually over the next five years.
This initiative is part of the newly launched Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), designed to tackle Nigeria’s long-standing metering gap and enhance electricity service delivery across the country.
To manage this process, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) has been established to oversee the implementation of the PMI, which will complement the existing Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP).
According to the Federal Ministry of Power, the tender for the first batch of two million meters under the PMI will be released in the third quarter of 2025.
A statement by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, further revealed that the Federal Government is set to receive 3,205,101 meters under the DISREP by 2026.
The meters will be delivered using a combination of procurement models: 1,437,501 meters through International Competitive Bid 1 (ICB1), 217,600 meters through the National Competitive Bid (NCB), and 1,550,000 meters through ICB2. The first 75,000 meters for ICB1 are planned to arrive in April 2025, followed by 200,000 units in May 2025.
“In addition to the DISREP, the N700 billion Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) is another key intervention designed to accelerate metering. The initiative, which has already secured N700 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), is structured to ensure large-scale meter procurement and deployment.
“A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) has been established to oversee the implementation of the initiative. The government has set a target of deploying two million meters annually for five years, with the tender for the first batch of two million meters expected to be released by the third quarter of 2025.
“The Distribution Sector Recovery Program (DISREP) aims to deliver 3,205,101 meters by 2026. This will be accomplished using various procurement models, including 1,437,501 meters through International Competitive Bid 1 (ICB1), 217,600 meters through National Competitive Bid (NCB), and 1,550,000 meters through International Competitive Bid 2 (ICB2).
“As part of this plan, the first batch of 75,000 meters under ICB1 is expected by April 2025, followed by the second batch of 200,000 meters in May 2025,” the statement read.
Addressing recent negative media portrayals of Nigeria’s metering progress, the Federal Government insisted substantial gains are being made.
“While challenges persist, the facts tell a more balanced story—one of sustained effort, financial commitment, and structured implementation plans by the Federal Government of Nigeria to close the metering gap,” the statement emphasized.
It disclosed that as of December 2024, 5,502,460 customers had been metered, representing approximately 55 percent of Nigeria’s 10,114,060 active electricity customers.
“In 2024 alone, 572,050 meters were installed. While the government acknowledges the existing metering gap, it is actively working to close it as quickly as possible. The fact remains that a sizable portion of active electricity users already have meters, countering the exaggerated portrayal of an industry in crisis,” it added.
Despite variations year-on-year, the Federal Government noted the sector has maintained an average of 668,000 meter installations annually.
“The government believes that structured financing, alongside initiatives like DISREP and PMI, will boost this average significantly in the coming years.
“With the ongoing DISREP and PMI initiatives, Nigeria’s metering landscape is set to experience significant improvement before the end of the year.
“The focus should be on the execution of these well-structured plans rather than a blanket critique that overlooks the real progress being made,” the statement concluded.
