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The Federal Government has installed 668,000 electricity meters on customers’ premises under the first phase of the $500 million World Bank-financed Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), as authorities intensify efforts to narrow Nigeria’s metering gap and reduce reliance on estimated electricity billing.
The figure represents about 60% of the 1.033 million meters delivered under the programme, according to the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Ayodeji Gbeleyi.
Gbeleyi disclosed the development while briefing the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) during its second meeting of 2026, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
365,000 Delivered Meters Yet to Be Installed
Of the 1.033 million meters delivered under the first phase of DISREP, about 365,000 units remain to be deployed, based on the figures provided by the BPE.
The ongoing installation is part of broader government efforts, including the Presidential Metering Initiative, to close the electricity metering deficit and reduce arbitrary estimated billing for registered electricity consumers.
The government considers metering a key component of electricity-sector reform because it allows consumers to pay based on measured consumption rather than estimates.
17 States Establish Electricity Regulators
The NCP meeting also reviewed progress in implementing the Electricity Act, particularly the transition towards greater state-level regulation of electricity markets.
Gbeleyi said about 17 states have established their own State Electricity Regulatory Commissions since April 2024, following the implementation of the legislation.
Akwa Ibom State became the latest state to establish its own electricity regulatory commission in July 2026.
The development forms part of the decentralisation of Nigeria’s electricity market, allowing states to assume greater regulatory responsibilities within the framework created by the Electricity Act.
Government Seeks Clarity on Electricity Act
Despite the progress, the BPE chief said some aspects of the Electricity Act still require further clarification and adjustment.
The NCP has consequently directed the Attorney-General of the Federation, Minister of Power, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), BPE and other relevant stakeholders to work together on the required amendments.
The objective is to harmonise the Federal Government’s position and address areas requiring further fine-tuning as more states establish independent electricity regulatory commissions.
The regulatory changes are particularly important as Nigeria moves towards a more decentralised electricity market, with federal and state authorities taking on different responsibilities.
Power Sector Reform Faces Infrastructure Test
The meter rollout comes as the government continues to address longstanding weaknesses in Nigeria’s electricity distribution system.
Although metering alone cannot resolve the country’s wider power-sector challenges, eliminating estimated billing remains an important part of improving transparency between electricity distributors and consumers.
The installation of the remaining meters under the first phase of DISREP will therefore be closely watched as the government seeks to expand the proportion of electricity customers with accurate consumption records.
FG Promises Greater Value for Consumers
Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe said the government was working collaboratively across relevant institutions to ensure Nigerians obtain greater value from electricity and other critical sectors of the economy.
The government’s approach combines infrastructure investment, regulatory reforms and efforts to improve service delivery.
For consumers, however, the ultimate measure of the reforms will extend beyond the number of meters installed. Reliable electricity supply, accurate billing, responsive distribution companies and improved service quality will determine whether the investments translate into meaningful improvements in the daily experience of electricity users.
With 668,000 meters already installed out of 1.033 million delivered, the Federal Government has made significant progress under the first phase of the World Bank-backed programme. The next challenge is completing the remaining installations while ensuring that the broader reforms produce a more transparent and efficient electricity market.
