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 in his opening remarks at the 4th NESI Stakeholders Meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday, according to a statement shared on the Commission’s X handle. The event marks his final participation in the NESI forum as Vice Chairman.
Dr. Oseni called on electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to intensify awareness and accelerate meter deployment, stressing that the government had already provided the necessary funding.
“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,” he said.
Speaking to regulators, operators, and other sector stakeholders, he highlighted several critical turning points for the electricity industry. With the ongoing transition to state-level electricity regulatory commissions, he cautioned DisCos to cooperate fully with the emerging regulators.
“No licensee is bigger than their regulator,” he warned.
Addressing recent misinformation about the tenure of NERC Commissioners, Dr. Oseni clarified that the “Staggering Principle” referenced in Section 36 of the Electricity Act was carried over from the Electricity Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) and applied only to the pioneer Commission. He emphasized that, under Section 36(1) of the current Act, all subsequent Chairmen and Commissioners serve fixed five-year terms.
