Following the announcement that six million prepaid metres will be distributed across the federation through the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP), via all the Electricity Distribution Companies.
The President’s Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Ahmedufai Zakar, has disclosed that all DISCO’ selling prepaid metres either directly or through agents will be sanctioned for doing so. In addition, for those who have purchased the metres in the past, the funds should be reimbursed as the metres are not for sale.
The metres, produced locally are expected to drive employment and is one of the ways the federal government hopes to revive the manufacturing industries.
Despite claims by the Government that the prepaid metres should be distributed for free, many residents who are yet to receive one have complained of hikes in estimated billing and also been told to pay before the new metres can be installed despite applying online for the said metres.
The government is also considering off-grid alternatives as to the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo announced a few days away on plans to install 5 million solar systems in communities off the national grid.