OYOGist.com has learned that the Federal Government of Nigeria, have reportedly commenced the distribution of free electricity meter which for the time been is to reach 30 million Nigerians. The National Mass Metering Programme was launched in Kano, Kaduna, Lagos and is expected to spread round the country.
According to presidency, the free meter distribution was started in order to fulfill the promise made by the President Buhari led administration to put an end to the problem of estimated billing in the electricity sector of the country. It was revealed that the distribution was to begin in Bawo Road and Environs in Kano metropolitans (KEDCO), Governor Road/ Tunga Wada in Kaduna. Oshodi Business Unit in Ikeja and Yaba, Surulere ( Eko Disco).
The Presidency also added that the key stakeholders to monitor the launch and supervise the distribution includes; Kaduna, Kano and Lagos state government representatives, the senate committee and House chair on powers as well as representatives of Organized Labour and Civil Society Organizations. The NMMP is to roll out six month meters for all connections points on grid without meters over the next 18- 24 months, estimating to impact 30 million consumers nationwide.
It should be noted that President Buhari had earlier committed that Nigerians would be metered prior to the end of his administration, which will in turn bring to end, the problem of estimated billing in the electricity sector. This is in line with an agreement reached between federal government and the organized labour after government had increased the electricity tarrif earlier this year.
Six million meters will be distributed across Nigeria. But it will begin with 1 million meters in the states mentioned above. This scheme is also set to create job opportunity.
The central bank of Nigeria, on 18th October, 2020, approved a guidelines for funding the mass metering programme which entailed that all meter under the scheme will be locally sourced, creating thousands of manufacturing jobs through lead manufacturers such as MOMAS, MOJEC and others.
