The Federal Government will today commence the distribution of free electricity meters in Kano, Kaduna, Eko and Ikeja electricity distribution companies’ franchise areas.
At least 30 million consumers are targeted.
The simultaneous inauguration of the scheme in those areas is part of the National Mass Metering Programme(NMMP), a presidential source told journalists under condition of anonymity.
This, the source said, is in fulfillment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s promise to ensure mass metering in the country, thereby eliminating estimated billing in the electricity sector.
According to the presidential source, the locations to receive the free meters are 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).
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The presidential source noted that the distribution would be monitored by key stakeholders including Kaduna, Kano and Lagos state government representatives, the chairmen of Senate and House committees on Power, as well as representatives of the organised labour and Civil Society Organisations.
“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 source said.
“The launch of the NMMP will be part of a continuous effort where all DisCos will go from location to location across the country with their respective Meter Asset Providers to install meters for all Nigerians.”
Confirming the development, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Laolu 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 organised labour.
“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.”