Distribution of free electricity meters to Nigerians will commence today (Friday) as well as the inauguration of the scheme in Kano, kaduna, Eko and Ikeja electricity companies’ franchise areas.
This was disclosed by a source in the Presidency on the condition of anonymity.
According to the source, the free distribution of meters was in fulfilment of the promise of President Muhammadu Buhari, to ensure mass metering in the country and put an end to the menace of estimated billings in the electricity sector.
He added that the free distribution would be carried out under the National Mass Metering Programme.
According to him, the locations to receive the meters included Bawo Road and environs in Kano metropolis (KEDCO); Governor Road/Tudun Wada in Kaduna (Kaduna Electric); Oshodi Business Unit in Ikeja (Ikeja Electric); and Yaba and Surulere (Eko Disco).
He said that key stakeholders would monitor the inauguration of the distribution. These stakeholders included Kaduna, Kano and Lagos state government representatives, the chairmen of Senate and House committees on Power, as well as representatives of the organized labor and Civil Society Organizations.
The source added, “The NMMP is to roll out six million meters for all connections points on grid without meters over the next 18 to 24 months, estimated to impact 30 million consumers nationwide.
“Following Mr. President’s directive on mass metering, the Central Bank of Nigeria, on October 18, approved guidelines for funding the mass metering programme which entailed that all meters under the scheme will be locally sourced, creating thousands of manufacturing jobs through lead manufacturers such as MOMAS, MOJEC and others.”
The development was later confirmed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande.
Akande said, “Current efforts by the Federal Government on improving power supply and mass metering is in line with some of the agreements recently reached between the Federal Government and the organized labor.
“Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had committed that Nigerians would be metered before the end of his administration and that estimated billing would be ended.”
