In line with the determination of President Buhari to fulfil his promise of metering all Nigerian consumers of electricity and end estimated billing, free distribution of electricity meters will commence today abreast with the inauguration of the scheme in Eko, Ikeja, Kano and Kaduna electricity distribution companies. A source in the presidency who spoke o condition of anonymity stated that this free distribution would be carried out under the banner of ‘National Mass Metering Programme”.
According to the source, the programme was in fulfilment of the Buhari government to ensure all electricity consumers in the country are metered to avoid the controversy of estimated billing of electricity to Nigerian. Locations to collect the meters as listed by the source are; Bawo road in Kano metropolis and environs in(KEDCO); Governor Road Tudun Wada in Kaduna, Kaduna Electric; Oshodi Busines District Unit in Ikeja (Ikeja Electric); Yaba and Surulere (EKO Disco)
He disclosed that the key stakeholders to monitor the distribution will include a representative from the state government of Kano and Kaduna and Lagos states, chairmen of Senate and House committees on power as well as representatives from Civil society organisation and Labour. According to the presidency official, the programme is set to roll out six million meters for all connection points to electricity who has no meters in the next 18 to 24 months estimated to benefit 30 million consumers across the country.
The statement reads; “Following Mr President’s directive on mass metering, the Central Bank of Nigeria, on October 18, approved guidelines for funding the mass metering programme which entailed that all meters under the scheme will be locally sourced, creating thousands of manufacturing jobs through lead manufacturers such as MOMAS, MOJEC and others.” Accordingly, the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media, Laolu Akande confirmed the development saying it was long overdue.
Akande said the effort by the federal government to improve power supply and the metering system was in line with the Buhari government and the organised labour. Recall President Buhari commitment to end the estimated billing before the end of his tenure.
