Lagos, Nigeria – January 23, 2026 — In a decisive move to protect electricity consumers nationwide, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially banned all electricity distribution companies (DisCos) and authorized meter installers from charging customers any fees or levies for the provision and installation of electricity meters. This landmark directive, announced on Thursday by Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu, underscores a strengthened push to eliminate illicit charges that have long plagued power consumers across the nation.
The ban specifically prohibits DisCo staff and independent contractors from demanding any form of payment — directly or indirectly — before installing prepaid or smart meters for electricity customers anywhere in Nigeria. Officials who violate this order will now face prosecution under relevant Nigerian laws, according to government authorities.
Why the Ban Matters
Electricity metering has been one of the most contentious issues in Nigeria’s power sector for years. Millions of consumers remain unmetered or stuck on estimated billing — a system where power usage is guessed rather than measured — often leading to inflated bills and alleged extortion. Previous reports show that tens of millions of Nigerians have been subjected to arbitrary billing due to slow or insufficient metering efforts by DisCos.
By banning all charges associated with meter installation, the Federal Government is directly addressing long-standing consumer frustration and the unfair costs that consumers frequently complain about. The move also aligns with deregulation goals and broader power sector reforms initiated under the current administration.
Government’s Position: Free Meters Under DISREP
Minister Adelabu’s announcement came during an inspection of a substantial new consignment of smart electricity meters imported under the World Bank-funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) at APM Terminals in Apapa, Lagos. This initiative seeks to close Nigeria’s metering gap by deploying smart meters for customers at no cost to end-users.
According to government figures cited during the announcement:
Nearly 1 million smart meters have already been delivered to Nigeria, with more than 500,000 units recently arriving as part of subsequent shipments.
The broader DISREP target is to import and distribute approximately 3.4 million meters nationwide.
So far, about 150,000 meters have been installed across different regions.
Minister Adelabu warned that “any attempt to solicit payment — a dime, a naira, or any other form of inducement — before meter installation is illegal and subject to prosecution”.
Stiffer Enforcement & Consumer Reporting Mechanisms
To enforce the ban, the Federal Ministry of Power plans to institute stringent monitoring systems that involve multiple stakeholders, including federal and state regulatory bodies. A dedicated customer complaint desk will be established to allow Nigerians to report any extortion attempts by DisCo officials or independent installers. Whistleblowers will be encouraged to provide actionable leads that can trigger immediate investigations.
Authorities have also signaled that public exposure and legal sanctions will follow confirmed cases of extortion by personnel within the power sector. This step is expected to deter corrupt practices and reinforce accountability within the industry.
What This Means for Nigerian Electricity Consumers
❗️ Zero Fees for Meter Installation
Effective immediately, no electricity consumer in Nigeria should pay for a meter, whether prepaid or smart, nor any form of installation service. Any requests for payment — including indirect charges or ancillary costs — violate federal policy and are subject to legal action.
📊 Better Billing Accuracy
Smart meters installed under DISREP are designed to enhance billing transparency and accuracy, replacing the controversial estimated billing system that has been criticized by consumer advocates and civil society for years.
📍 Installation Prioritization
Government agencies anticipate that accelerated meter rollout will help reduce the metering gap — estimated to still run into the millions — thereby enabling consumers to better manage their electricity usage and bills.
Public Backdrop: Metering Issues in Nigeria
Nigeria has struggled with metering shortfalls for well over a decade. A combination of slow infrastructure rollout, regulatory gaps, and alleged extortive practices led to widespread distrust between electricity customers and distribution firms.
In the past, federal agencies like the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had to step in to protect consumer rights. They enforced rules that barred DisCos from charging customers for meter replacements and urged transparency in metering initiatives.
Additionally, several distribution companies nationwide — including Eko DisCo and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) — have initiated free meter rollout programs under government-led schemes to curb illegal payments. These efforts align with the recent official directive and underscore a broader policy shift toward consumer protection.
A Critical Juncture for Power Sector Reform
This latest federal ban marks one of the most significant shifts in Nigeria’s electricity distribution landscape in recent years. By ensuring metering is free and legally protected, policymakers hope to build trust, reduce billing abuses, and improve revenue flow — ultimately stabilizing a power sector that has long struggled with inefficiency, low metering penetration, and consumer dissatisfaction.
For electricity customers across Nigeria, this policy could bring long-awaited relief from unjust costs and contribute to more reliable and transparent service in the years ahead.
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