Fresh concerns have emerged over the implementation of Nigeria’s prepaid metering policy as the President-General of one of the communities in Osumenyi, Nnewi south, Anambra State, Sir Tony Nzekwe, has questioned why electricity consumers are still being asked to pay for meters despite Federal Government assurances that they are free.
Nzekwe’s query comes amid widespread confusion following recent directives by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Federal Ministry of Power that meters supplied under government-backed programmes should be installed at no cost to consumers.
Speaking on the issue, the community leader described the situation as contradictory, noting that many residents in Anambra and beyond continue to face demands for payment before installation of prepaid meters.
He called on relevant authorities to provide clear and consistent communication to electricity users, insisting that Nigerians deserve transparency on whether they are expected to pay or not.
NERC Explains Metering Framework
Responding to the growing concerns, NERC Chairman, Musiliu Oseni, clarified that not all meters currently being deployed across the country are free.
According to him, meters provided under the Federal Government-funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) are completely free at the point of installation, as they are financed through public funding and structured repayment mechanisms within the electricity tariff system.
“The meter provided by the government is 100 per cent free. Customers are not expected to pay anything for DISREP meters,” Oseni said during a radio interview.
He, however, explained that an alternative metering option—the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme—remains in place for customers who cannot wait for the phased rollout of free meters.
Under the MAP arrangement, consumers may choose to pay for meters through approved companies, with provisions for reimbursement over time.
Oseni warned that electricity distribution companies are prohibited from collecting money for meters designated under the free scheme and urged consumers to verify installations, noting that DISREP meters are clearly labelled.
Minister Reinforces No-Payment Directive
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, had earlier reinforced the government’s position, declaring that any demand for payment for meters under the DISREP initiative is illegal.
He stressed that the meters, procured through a World Bank-supported programme, must be installed free of charge regardless of a customer’s tariff band.
Sector Operators Raise Sustainability Concerns
Despite the directive, electricity distribution companies (DisCos) have raised concerns about cost recovery and financial sustainability, arguing that while consumers may not pay upfront, the cost of meters is ultimately embedded in tariff structures.
The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) supported this position, explaining that infrastructure investments in the power sector—including meters—are typically recovered over time through tariffs rather than direct charges.
SECCA Meeting to Address Consumer Concerns
Amid the lingering controversy, the South East Coalition of Consumer Advocacy (SECCA), a body established to protect the interests of electricity consumers, has announced plans to convene a crucial meeting in Anambra State on April 14, 2026.
Stakeholders say the forum will provide an opportunity for regulators, distribution companies and consumers to engage directly and clarify grey areas surrounding prepaid metering.
Residents and concerned electricity users are however urged to take advantage of the meeting to seek firsthand clarification on NERC’s position, particularly on the distinction between free DISREP meters and paid MAP installations.