The Association for Public Policy Analysis and the Electricity Consumers Protection and Advocacy Centre have raised concerns regarding the National Mass Metering Programme, specifically the disbursement of N200 billion allocated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) back in 2020. They are urging the House of Representatives to expedite their investigation into alleged discrepancies, mismanagement, and a lack of adherence to the terms associated with loans distributed under this initiative. The consumer group highlighted that despite the substantial budget, many power distribution companies (Discos) have yet to deliver the meters for which consumers have already paid, raising serious questions about the implementation and oversight of the program.
According to the advocacy group, this N200 billion was segmented into three phases, with N59.28 billion dedicated to a pilot phase intended to install one million meters. The group’s National President, Princewill Okorie, emphasized that consumers are relying on the findings from the House of Representatives’ investigation to resolve the persistent issues surrounding electricity metering in Nigeria. There are increasing frustrations from consumers who have not received any clarity from the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, about the National Mass Metering Programme’s status or its connection to earlier initiatives, such as the Meter Assets Provider (MAP) program introduced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in 2018.
The MAP program allowed consumers to pay for their meters and recoup the investment through energy credits from Discos, yet Okorie questions how many meters were actually installed under this scheme before the commencement of the NMMP. The lack of transparency in the number of meters distributed has led to calls from the advocacy group for a comprehensive evaluation of the delivery process under the NMMP framework. Notably, discrepancies in financial reporting were brought to light, revealing over N3 billion unaccounted for between the allocated funds and actual disbursement, alongside extremely low repayment rates for loans provided to Discos.
In their appeal to the House of Representatives, the group is also requesting that NERC be summoned to elucidate key areas, including the extent of the implementation of the MAP program and the criteria used for approving NMMP loans. The advocacy group demands clarity on the disbursement strategy for funds, procurement processes for meters, evidence of their distribution, and the plans to address the existing low loan repayment levels amid challenging interest rates. Furthermore, the role of the fund administrator, Meristerm Wealth Management Ltd, should be scrutinized to ensure accountability in the handling of the funds.
Additionally, the Association is keen to clarify the overall status of the National Mass Metering Programme, questioning whether it has stalled since the pilot phase commenced in 2020. They seek to determine whether the N200 billion remains untouched at the CBN and why no subsequent updates on the program have been provided to the public. There is growing concern among consumers that unless these issues are addressed, the NMMP risks losing credibility and failing to fulfill its intended purpose of providing equitable access to metering for electricity consumers in Nigeria.
In summary, the advocacy group stresses the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the National Mass Metering Programme. As the House of Representatives mulls over the investigation, the outcomes are anticipated to be pivotal in overcoming the numerous challenges associated with electricity metering in Nigeria, ensuring that consumers receive the services they have paid for, and restoring faith in the country’s power distribution framework. The situation poses a critical point for consumers waiting for concrete action and resolution in a sector that has been plagued with inefficiencies and lack of oversight.
