The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has revealed that between 600,000 and 700,000 electricity meters are currently available for nationwide distribution.
This disclosure was made by Dr. Musiliu Oseni, NERC Vice Chairman, during his opening remarks at the 4th NESI Stakeholders Meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday—his final NESI session as Vice Chairman. The announcement was also posted on NERC’s official X handle.
Dr. Oseni urged electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to speed up the deployment of the meters and improve public sensitization, noting that the government has already provided the required investments.
“There are currently 600,000 to 700,000 meters available in the country. Utilities must improve publicity. The government has made the investment, so the DisCos need to step up,” he said.
Addressing regulators, operators, and other participants, Dr. Oseni pointed out key challenges confronting the sector and emphasized the need for collaboration with emerging State Electricity Regulatory Commissions, stating firmly that “no licensee is bigger than their regulator.”
He also clarified media reports that misrepresented the tenure of NERC Commissioners, explaining that the “Staggering Principle” in Section 36 of the Electricity Act applies only to the pioneer Commission established under the Electricity Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA).
According to him, all subsequent Chairmen and Commissioners serve five-year terms, as stipulated in Section 36(1) of the Electricity Act.
