NIGERIA: Power Minister Orders IBEDC to Fast-Track Free Meter Distribution

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagoa, Nigeria 

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has directed the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to accelerate the installation of free prepaid meters for electricity consumers within its franchise areas.

The directive was issued during a working visit by the minister to the IBEDC headquarters in Ibadan, where discussions focused on improving service delivery and strengthening operations in Nigeria’s electricity distribution sector.

Adelabu said the engagement formed part of the Federal Government’s effort to maintain closer collaboration with power sector operators to address operational challenges affecting electricity supply.

He said: “Our objective is to hear directly from IBEDC, understand their operational realities, identify their pain points, and explore how government can better support their ambition as a utility responsible for powering homes, businesses and industries.”

The minister expressed concern over the slow pace of meter deployment, noting that available data showed only about 16,300 meters had been installed out of approximately 59,000 units supplied under the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme Metering Initiative.

He said: “These meters were not procured by the Federal Government to remain idle in warehouses. They were provided to improve transparency in billing and ensure customers pay accurately for electricity consumed.”

Adelabu urged the company to prioritise early deployment of the meters to restore customer confidence, reduce energy losses and improve the financial sustainability of electricity distribution operations.

He also encouraged IBEDC to explore alternative power solutions, including embedded generation and mini-grid partnerships, highlighting the concession of the Ikere Gorge Dam as an opportunity to add additional electricity capacity within the network.

He said: “Government remains committed to creating a supportive policy and regulatory environment for viable electricity distribution businesses.”

Speaking during the visit, IBEDC Managing Director, Francis Agoha, acknowledged government support and revealed that the company had operated without a core investor for four years.

He said: “IBEDC was recently sold to core investors who are committed to providing the needed investment to move the company to the next stage.”

Agoha added that collaboration with key stakeholders in the power sector would soon begin to yield visible improvements in electricity service delivery across the com

pany’s franchise states.