adenigga: The Federal Government has banned electricity distribution companies and installers from collecting any form of payment for meters, warning that DisCo officials and installers found extorting customers will be prosecuted.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, issued the warning on Thursday during an on-site inspection of newly imported smart meters at APM Terminals, Apapa, Lagos.
Adelabu said the meters were procured under the World Bank–funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme and must be installed for consumers free of charge, stressing that any demand for money would be treated as an offence.
Adelabu, who was received into the Apapa Port Command of the Nigerian Customs Service by Area Controller Emmanuel Oshoba, expressed happiness over the importation of another tranche of 500,000 smart meters under DISREP.
He said the meters would be given to all electricity customers, regardless of their band. “I want to mention that it is unprecedented that these 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. It is an offence for the officials of distribution companies across Nigeria to request a dime before installation; even the indirect installers cannot ask consumers for a dime.
It has to be installed free of charge so that billings and collections will improve for the sector.
“The main objective of coming here today is to carry out a physical on-site inspection of shipments of smart meters that the Federal Government has imported under the World Bank-funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme. This programme is supporting the Federal Government to import a total of about 3.4 million meters in two batches; the first batch is 1.43 million meters, out of which we have received close to about a million meters. Currently, almost 150,000 meters have already been installed across all distribution companies in the country.
“And what we have today is close to 500,000 meters that we just received. They are all smart meters, and I believe that the journey of completely eliminating the meter gap in the Nigerian power sector has just begun,” Adelabu said, even as he expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of metering.
Adelabu was optimistic that in a couple of years, every household, business, and institution would be fully metered so that billings and collections in the power sector would become more transparent, fair, and just. He added that it would also improve the readiness of electricity consumers to pay their bills, leading to improved liquidity in the sector.
“I’m quite excited and elated with what’s happening because it’s unprecedented. This is the first time in the history of this country that a government will be importing and locally buying this number of meters to ensure that the power sector is completely transformed. This is like walking the talk. Our target reform in the sector is not just verbal. Nigerians can see that this is real; it’s not just a promise of the tongue.
“We said it is free. We are not saying this behind closed doors. We are telling Nigerians that the distribution and installation of these meters in every location is free of charge, and it is declared an offence—an illegality—for any DisCo official or installer to request money from the beneficiaries of these meters. We will track and monitor this installation. We also await tip-offs. We have the regulatory commission (NERC), which has offices in some of these locations, and the state regulatory authorities also have offices in each state.
“We are going to open a customer complaint desk whereby, if you notice any such requests for illegal money, you report it, and the authorities will follow up. We are not leaving the installation to the DisCos alone; we’re also creating an interface between the installers and consumers to accelerate the pace of installation. We have some issues with the data and addresses of unmetered customers. We are working hand-in-hand with the DisCos to ensure clean data so that we can accelerate installation.
“We also want to maintain a register whereby unmetered customers can register their names. Once we have a list, we will validate it with the DisCos, improving the pace of installation. We are looking for confirmed cases of requests for money by any DisCo official or installer. Nigerians will know what we can do, and it will serve as a deterrent for others not to commit such an offence or illegality. That’s the plan.
“Extortion is not allowed, but there must be confirmed cases of such extortion, and the officials involved—no matter how high—will be prosecuted. It will be publicised and serve as a deterrent to others with similar intentions. We will not allow that. This is a government effort, and no activity of a DisCo or installer should frustrate government efforts to ensure that life is made easy for Nigerians and that we have a stable, reliable, and functional power sector,” he said.
Adelabu added that the Tinubu administration is resolving a decades-long problem that has affected liquidity. “But the boldness, courage, and political will of the government to go ahead with this should be commended. We will track it end-to-end to ensure that the government’s effort is well implemented and our desired objectives are achieved.
“The aggregate meter gap covers all categories of customers. We are not discriminating. We are prioritising every Nigerian, every customer, every electricity user. The issue of Band A, Band B, or Band C is temporary; it is our systematic way of ensuring this reform reaches everyone. The meters will be given to all levels of customers and not restricted to a single band. I am committing to that,” he stressed.
As journalists expressed doubts over the possibility of free meter distribution to customers, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Ayo Gbeleyi, stated that the bureau coordinates the implementation of the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme on behalf of the Federal Government and serves on the boards of all 11 electricity distribution companies.
Gbeleyi said, “Regarding concerns that DisCos are delaying meter installations, you will soon see a new order or circular from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission prescribing the protocols and processes DisCos must follow to ensure unhindered access for meter installations.
“We are monitoring this. We have our dashboard, trackers, and all stakeholders’ hands on deck to ensure seamless and rapid deployment of these meters. One more thing—the meters here are manufactured to the specific requirements of each DisCo. They are inscribed on the meter, with an anti-theft protocol embedded. The configuration is for a particular DisCo, so a meter configured for Eko DisCo cannot be installed in Ibadan.”
Speaking, the Chairman of Mojec, Mojisola Abdul, said the meters supplied by the Federal Government are designed to genuinely generate more revenue for the country and supply more power.
“I’m telling you, physically, we have installed almost 150,000 meters, and they are free. Don’t give anybody money. You are not allowed. We had a meeting Wednesday with the minister and the DG of BPE about further progress on making it easy for every Nigerian. We are calling it mobile registration of free meters. If you register today, your meter will be installed within three days,” she said.
On the delay in meter installations after months of application and payments made, the minister reassured, “This is our country. It is valid that there will be apprehensions and reservations because of past experiences. Previously, there was limited meter availability, and payment was required.
“But this programme has two advantages: first, the volume is now sufficient—we have received almost 1 million meters, with another 1.55 million meters coming in the second phase. Second, the meters must be installed free of charge. The complications experienced in the past will be completely eliminated. We had a meeting on Wednesday for almost two to three hours to discuss all existing complications and foreseeable difficulties, and I assure you we already have effective solutions to all these problems.”
Adelabu also visited the National Meter Test Station in Oshodi, where meters are tested by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency to ensure they meet required standards. Nigeria currently has over five million customers under estimated billing.
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Marvieduke: “Remove my name and picture immediately” — Actor Emeka Ike calls out Jaruma over video involving his son
Veteran Nollywood actor Emeka Ike has publicly distanced himself from a viral video involving his son and popular sex therapist Jaruma.
In a lengthy Instagram post, the actor expressed anger over his name and photo being linked to what he described as “disgusting” and indecent content, insisting he has nothing to do with Jaruma or her products.
Emeka Ike also addressed his son directly, recounting how he once supported his education, planned a future abroad for him, and insisted he finish school before pursuing fame. He lamented that those plans were abandoned, saying he no longer recognises the person his son has become.
The actor warned that his legal team is reviewing the situation and demanded that his name and image be removed from all related content, stressing that he has worked hard to protect his reputation.
this is why some of us don’t advocate for a broken home.the kids life always get crushed.If it’s not life threatening,I won’t leave my marriage.the biggest pain is seeing ur kids go in a direction u wouldn’t have wished for
brain54: The many rants of emeka ike: season 15, episode 335...
He for just tell jaruma to remove his name from her page.
I understand the disappointment but the boy is an adult and has chosen his path in life.
Small thing he done talk plenty even include the mother with stray bullets.
He should be calming down and talk less. He is a man. Ranting and whining makes him look like a sissy.
And before I forget that son is a disappointment maybe not. No manual to life. Only the end justifies the means.
are u a father yet or u are just enjoying ur teenage life.do u know what pains and heart break looks like.do u know what it means to see ur first son fail and misbehave?and u expect him not to fume.when u start having ur own kids leave them to go astray.
asfrank: This guy too the talk, seem patience is not his virtue. He's holding on because Tinubu is holding Wike on a tight leash. He ran to France as soon as things started going South. He has gotten some reprieve now, it's not up to a week, and he has started throwing shades again.
Well na their business
u know say no be guy man.if u see em dressing u go understand.guy men don’t act like Fubara.most governors were installed and they find a way to manage their ogas.sherif is managing Okowa,ododo,sanwolu.i no like wetin wike Dey do I also think Fubara is ungrateful
good for wike.next time pick from politicians around u.but some people Dey try sha.i can’t betray.i also don’t like being helped.cos I know anytime anyone does something for u somehow u become indebted to them.
maivd: You really don't matter, right now, that guy you love to hate is the most talked about person in Nigeria. He is the center of attraction plus he is in charge of one of the richest states in Nigeria. You are absolutely irrelevant
obonujoker: You are clueless like the president.... What are you using the money to do?..
Are you bettering the lives of Deltans?? Evil wicked politicians
should i tell u what he is doing with the funds?sherif has 2025 Mercedes maybach gold plated armored,he has 2025 Escalade the type tinubu and Donald trump uses,he has 2024 lx600 fully armored,he has 2025 Range Rover fully armored.No governor in delta has used such cars,I am into cloths.sherif does not wear any cloths that is less than $5k.so stop asking what he is doing with the money.when u see his convoy u will understand what he is saying.
Tonto Dikeh delivers a powerful, heartfelt prayer session straight from the heart! 🔥 In this anointed clip, the Nollywood star and born-again believer declares blessings over 2026, walks on eagle's wings, and releases fire on every negative altar, gathering, or mind working against success, celebration, and divine favor.
Watch as she fervently speaks in tongues, prays against attacks, invokes unmerited favor, and covers viewers with protection: "No attack shall come near us… Our day is blessed, hallelujah!" Her passion is undeniable—eyes closed in deep communion, hands raised, voice rising in spiritual intensity. A true testament to transformation and radical faith! 🕊️🙏
Whether you're seeking encouragement, breakthrough, or just witnessing a celebrity's genuine spiritual moment, this video will stir your spirit. Join in agreement, type "Amen" in the comments if you're claiming these declarations, and share with someone who needs this fire today!
rivers people and drama sha.no be only born again na push to start.
"Congratulations to the new wife! A proud lady shows off the incredible mountain of items her 'Odogwu' husband brought for her traditional bride price ceremony in Awgu (Agwu), Enugu State. We're talking bags of rice, yams, crates of drinks, soaps, pots, wrappers, shoes, wigs, fans, and more – worth potentially millions of naira!
The video has everyone talking: 'Awgu men no small!' Is this the ultimate flex or too much? Watch the full festive display, cash fanning, dancing, and celebration vibes. This is peak Igbo culture and generosity!
ZegbeMedia: Senator Ned Nwoko has once again broken his silence on the clandestine drug scandal involving Regina Daniels. In an unfiltered statement today, January 8, 2026, Ned’s team fearlessly unmasked a statement that her recent negative tests don’t erase professional findings of drug and alcohol use from Nigeria and South Africa.
Ned ruthlessly dismissed her social media posts as performative and confirmed a court has already given him custody of their children while ordering Regina to undergo supervised therapy. He fearlessly pointed out that MDMA (Molly) is a dangerous drug no matter how it is repackaged and he will be defending these findings in court. While the Senator is pressing neck with admissible evidence, questions are now being asked about whether Regina has clandestinely started the mandated therapy or if she is ruthlessly avoiding the court's order.
Will the internet finally unmask the reality of this family war or is the legal battle just beginning? 🧐🍿 Ned is pressing neck with admissible evidence and it has left the public with different opinion. 🦅
What do you think about Ned’s ruthless honesty? Is he right to go this public? Drop your thoughts in the comment 👇👇
nonsense blogger.them Dey follow billionaire drag custody?which court u want carry ned go.
scorpion bit my son we went to the hospital and the doctor was using google to administer treatment.there are no doctors left in Nigeria.Despite her having money to even use the best hospital yet they failed her so imagine those ones who use public hospitals.times are really bad.all babalu is thinking of is 2027 and seyi is moving around like al pacino.
duro4chang: Yes. Did Bible tell you to go to altar to pray? Does it mean if you pray in your room and not on altar your prayer will not be answered? How many of your prayers on altar has been answered? Go and be sleeping on altar for 365 days for prayer and still remain in your sin and be waiting for your answer.
u don Dey misunderstand me again.baba even the Bible recognizes high places.U can pray anywhere.but u can’t pray some prayers anywhere.why do ppl attend Shiloh.there are higher grounds by brother.thats also why we go to church.everybody for stay their house Dey worship.i no want talk about this thing again.anyhow u reason am e Dey ok
duro4chang: Hymmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. To me there is no where you pray that God can't hear. And not every prayer is answered by God.
if there is no where u pray that God can’t answer why do churches set up alter.Oboy spiritual matters get as dem be.u don try do smthg ones dem tell u say na only ur village u fit do am?heheheh
You are correct about yahoo yahoo juju, especially those ones those small small yahoo boiz do
They will get money within 2 yrs, everything don varnish
They will now start stealing and courier drugs
One in my area, when he start na cement stall that dangote truck was coming to discharge for him he open
Like play everything don vapourise
there are some governors today that were yahoo boys.i don’t supprt yahoo I’m not and can never be into it.but some people don use am escape poverty.if u like Dey make pant Dey wear u.
Travel › Re: My Mum Died On Ethiopian Airlines Flight From Abuja To US - Adiele Jacqueline by highchief1: 9:19am On Jan 24
