The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced that between 600,000 and 700,000 electricity meters are currently available for distribution across the country.
NERC Vice Chairman, Dr. Musiliu Oseni, disclosed this on Tuesday during his opening remarks at the 4th NESI Stakeholders Meeting in Abuja. The update was shared in a statement posted on the Commission’s official X account.
The meeting marked Dr. Oseni’s final NESI stakeholders’ session as Vice Chairman.
He urged electricity distribution companies to intensify their publicity and accelerate the deployment of the meters, noting that the government had already invested in their procurement.
“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,” Oseni said.
Addressing regulators, operators, and stakeholders, Dr. Oseni highlighted key issues confronting the sector, especially with the ongoing transition to State Electricity Regulatory Commissions.
He warned Distribution Companies to fully cooperate with the new state regulators, stressing, “No licensee is bigger than their regulator.”
He also addressed recent misinformation concerning the tenure of NERC Commissioners, explaining that the “Staggering Principle” referenced in Section 36 of the Electricity Act applied only to the pioneer Commission. He clarified that subsequent Chairmen and Commissioners are entitled to five-year tenures as stipulated in Section 36(1) of the Act.
The meeting brought together major stakeholders in the power sector to deliberate on challenges and reforms shaping Nigeria’s electricity industry.