FG offers free electricity meters across Nigeria

Free Electricity Meters Nigeria: FG launches nationwide scheme, ensuring meters and installation are free, with violators of the rule facing prosecution

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that residents in all 36 states, including Abuja, can now collect free electricity meters and have them installed at no cost.

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Officials confirmed that the initiative is part of a nationwide reform programme aimed at closing the country’s estimated seven million-meter gap.

During an inspection of 500,000 newly imported smart meters at APM Terminals, Apapa, Lagos, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu emphasised that no consumer should pay any fee for meter supply or installation.

He warned that anyone found charging for the service would face prosecution.

“The meters are to be installed and distributed to consumers free of charge—free of charge! Nobody should collect money from any consumer. It is an illegality,” Adelabu said.

The government’s directive applies to all electricity distribution companies (DisCos) and third-party installers. Authorities stated that any form of extortion or fee collection is punishable under the law.

The programme, funded under the World Bank–supported Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), has already delivered close to one million meters nationwide.

About 150,000 meters have been installed across different regions, with the latest consignment expected to accelerate deployment.

Electricity distribution companies are providing online registration portals to make applications easier.

For instance, EkoDisco allows Band A and B customers to register for free meters via webportal.ekedc.com. New customers can start their registration at webportal.ekedc.com/#/newConnection.

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Authorities reaffirmed that free electricity meter installation remains central to Nigeria’s power sector reforms, aiming to improve billing efficiency and reduce longstanding metering challenges.

David Okere