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The Federal Government’s $500m World Bank-backed electricity metering programme has installed only 217,784 smart meters out of its target of 3.2 million, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
The initiative, known as the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), was launched to close Nigeria’s metering gap, eliminate estimated billing, and improve electricity distribution.
However, progress has been slow despite earlier assurances that 2.5 million meters would be deployed by mid-2025.
NERC’s Q1 2026 report showed that 129,224 meters were installed in the first quarter, up 30% from Q4 2025, but still far below expectations.
This means only 6.8% of the programme’s target has been achieved, leaving nearly 3 million meters yet to be installed.
Benin DisCo recorded the highest installations under DISREP with 26,083 meters, followed by Abuja (24,072) and Port Harcourt (22,145).
Nationwide, a total of 357,495 meters were installed in Q1 2026 under various frameworks, including the Meter Asset Provider scheme and Meter Acquisition Fund.
Former Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu had earlier announced the arrival of 500,000 meters, stressing, “Nobody should collect money from any consumer. It is illegal. These meters are to be installed free of charge.”
Implementation has been hampered by a legal dispute. The Association of Meter Manufacturers of Nigeria (AMMON) secured a court injunction halting procurement of 1.55 million smart meters, arguing that international bidding excluded Nigerian manufacturers. The World Bank described the injunction as the programme’s biggest risk.
Nigeria’s metering gap remains wide. Out of 12.39 million active electricity customers, only 7.32 million are metered, leaving 5.06 million customers without meters. The national metering rate stands at 59.1%.
To accelerate deployment, President Bola Tinubu launched the Presidential Metering Initiative, training 5,000 young Nigerians as installers and technicians.
“This programme is about jobs, skills and dignity,” Tinubu said, adding that it would help end estimated billing and strengthen the electricity market.
