Nigeria must manufacture meters locally, secure sustainable financing — Experts
Experts Advocate for Enhanced Local Meter Manufacturing in Nigeria’s Electricity Sector
By Esther Ihejirika
Electricity sector professionals are advocating for increased local manufacturing of meters, improved financing models, and broader adoption of smart technology to expedite meter deployment and address Nigeria’s metering deficits.
This appeal was made during a recent webinar focused on accelerating the rollout of electricity meters. Participants emphasized the necessity of a coordinated national metering strategy aimed at enhancing revenue collection, minimizing estimated billing practices, and combatting electricity theft.
Mr. Odion Omonfoman, who hosted the webinar, revealed that his company has achieved over 90 percent metering coverage, having installed more than 200,000 meters through the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme and vendor financing. He noted that the company aims for complete metering coverage by extending installations to all customers connected to its transformers and feeders.
“Metering is a critical investment for ensuring revenue assurance. It allows customers to pay only for the electricity they consume and alleviates grievances related to estimated billing,” Omonfoman stated.
Engr. Alegie Alfred, Head of Metering at Power Limited Electric Company (MPLEC), reported that Abia Power is addressing issues such as energy theft, meter bypassing, and vandalism through a combination of routine inspections, remote monitoring, analysis of consumption patterns, customer education, and dedicated revenue protection teams.
Drawing from India’s experience, Ms. Ravleen Sethi, Director of Large Corporate Ratings at CareEdge, highlighted that government-supported programs, private-sector investments, and better financing options have accelerated the deployment of smart meters in India. She mentioned the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), launched in 2021, as a significant catalyst for investment and growth in India’s metering manufacturing capabilities.
From the manufacturing standpoint, Engr. Durosola Omogbenigun, President of the Meter Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, called for a national metering framework that includes collaboration among the federal and state governments, electricity distribution companies, investors, regulators, and local manufacturers.
