FG resolves meter dispute, targets 1.56million installations by year-end
The Federal Government has resolved its dispute with local electricity meter manufacturers, paving the way for the deployment of 1.56 million electricity meters before the end of the year as part of efforts to close Nigeria’s metering gap and improve electricity billing.
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this during a media briefing in Lagos, saying the government reached an agreement with the Association of Meter Manufacturers of Nigeria (AMMON), leading to the withdrawal of a court injunction that had stalled meter procurement and installation for several months.
According to the minister, the resolution clears the way for the nationwide rollout of smart meters, a key component of the administration’s power sector reform agenda aimed at eliminating estimated billing and improving transparency for electricity consumers.
Tegbe explained that the dispute arose after local manufacturers sought a greater share of supply contracts under the government’s metering programme.
He said while the Federal Government remains committed to President Bola Tinubu’s “Nigeria First” policy by promoting local manufacturing, it must also ensure adequate capacity to meet the country’s growing demand for electricity meters.
“For the last six months to one year, AMMON, the meter manufacturers association, took the Federal Government to court because the people manufacturing meters in Nigeria wanted to be able to supply meters,” he said.
“We encourage that because Mr President encourages Nigeria First. But again, you must have the capacity to meet Nigerians’ needs. So, we have a blend of international procurement and local procurement.”
The minister said the court action prevented the government from procuring, supplying and installing meters over the past six months, delaying progress on the national metering programme.
He, however, disclosed that sustained engagements with the manufacturers over the past three weeks resulted in an amicable settlement.
“We successfully calmed them down. We’ve resolved it. They’ve lifted the injunction.
“We’ve signed a new agreement with them. We have 1.56 million meters to be rolled out before the end of this year with their support,” Tegbe said.
Although he did not disclose details of the agreement, the minister said the rollout would proceed with the active participation of local manufacturers alongside international suppliers where necessary.
The deployment forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to achieve universal metering, improve revenue collection across the electricity value chain, reduce disputes over estimated billing and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s power sector.
About The Author
