Power: FG’ll prioritise metering in 2025 – Verheijen
Orisemeke Benjamin
The Federal Government has said it would prioritize metering of unmetered Nigerians this year.
In a statement she personally signed, Special Adviser to the President on Energy Olu Arowolo Verheijen, said the government has concluded plans to begin the rollout of smart meters, a process she said will put an end to the estimated billing of over 7 million households.
As of the second quarter of 2024, approximately 5.9 million Nigerians were metered for electricity, representing a significant portion of the total registered electricity customers in the country which stands at around 13 million. While a large majority of Nigerian electricity customers remain unmetered relying on estimated billing
According to the Presidential aide, one of the most significant steps is that the nationwide rollout of prepaid meters gives consumers confidence in what they are paying for and ensure transparency in electricity charges.
“Metering will also improve revenue collection across the sector and will attract the investments needed to strengthen Nigeria’s power infrastructure,” she said.
President Tinubu’s energy adviser said the government is committed to reducing costs for alternative power generation through a range of fiscal incentives, including VAT and Customs Duty Waivers for Compressed Natural Gas and Liquified Petroleum Gas.
She notes that the government fully understands the economic realities facing citizens and is committed to ensuring that reforms in the sector leads to tangible improvements in the daily lives of Nigerians.
She explained that “Every policy is designed with the Nigerian people in mind — eliminating unfair estimated billing, ensuring that subsidies benefit the right people, and creating the conditions for stable, affordable electricity.
“These reforms are laying the foundation for better service delivery, expanded access to electricity for homes and businesses, and unlocking prosperity for all Nigerians.”
The Presidential aide further explained that the Federal Government’s N200 billion monthly electricity subsidy was not getting to vulnerable Nigerians that need the support.
According to her, “Federal government is working towards a targeted subsidy system to ensure that low-income households receive the most support. This approach will make electricity more affordable and accessible for millions of hardworking families.
“Today, the Federal government spends over ₦200 billion per month on electricity subsidies, but much of this support benefits the wealthiest 25 percent of Nigerians rather than those who truly need assistance.”
On the settlement of legacy power debt, she said the government is addressing one of the major roadblocks that have prevented investments in new infrastructure and hampered efforts to improve electricity supply.
“By clearing these outstanding obligations, the government is ensuring that power companies can reinvest in better service delivery, stronger infrastructure, and a more stable electricity supply for all Nigerians,” she added.
She also took time to clarify media reports suggesting an imminent 65 percent increase in electricity tariffs.
Reports had quoted Verheijen as saying that tariffs are imminent in the sector.
According to her, “This is a misrepresentation of what I actually said in a recent press interview. I highlighted the fact that, following the increase in Band A tariffs in 2024, current tariffs now cover approximately 65 percent of the actual cost of supplying electricity, with the Federal government continuing to subsidize the difference.
“Also, while the government is indeed committed to ensuring fairer pricing over the long term, the immediate focus is on taking decisive action to deliver more electricity to Nigerians, ensure fewer outages, and guarantee the protection of the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians,” she said.
