NERC says 700,000 electricity meters ready for nationwide rollout

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has revealed that at least 600,000 electricity meters are currently sitting in warehouses across the country, waiting to be distributed.

NERC Vice Chairman Dr Musiliu Oseni made the disclosure in Abuja on Tuesday during the 4th NESI Stakeholders Meeting, which also marked his final outing in that role.

Oseni challenged electricity distribution companies to speed up the rollout, warning that the government had already paid for the meters and that excuses would no longer be tolerated. He insisted that customers deserve clear information and faster deployment, saying the meters are ready and the DisCos must “step up”.

Speaking before regulators and operators, Oseni addressed the ongoing transition to state-level electricity regulation and issued a blunt warning to power firms: no operator is above the law, and every licensee must cooperate with state regulators.

He also dismissed reports speculating about the tenure of NERC Commissioners, stressing that the “staggering principle” applies only to the pioneer commission. Under the Electricity Act, he said, subsequent chairmen and commissioners have five-year terms, as clearly stated in Section 36 of the law.