Millions of Nigerian electricity consumers could soon be spared estimated billing after the Federal Government resolved the legal dispute that stalled the procurement of 1.55 million smart meters.
The resolution followed the withdrawal of a lawsuit by the Association of Meter Manufacturers of Nigeria (AMMON), paving the way for the full implementation of key government metering programmes.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Federal Ministry of Power said AMMON filed a Notice of Discontinuance at the Federal High Court in Kano after the intervention of the Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Tegbe, who brokered talks between the association and relevant government agencies.
It stated that the settlement clears the way for the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF 3), and the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) to resume procurement and accelerate the rollout of smart meters nationwide.
The ministry said the renewed metering drive will improve billing transparency, reduce disputes between consumers and electricity distribution companies, and help eliminate the long-standing problem of estimated billing.
According to the statement, the minister is working with the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), negotiated an agreement that addressed the concerns of local meter manufacturers while complying with local and international procurement rules.
It stated that the agreement convinced AMMON to withdraw the suit, allowing the suspended procurement process to resume.
The ministry said the resolution reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue while supporting local manufacturers under its “Nigeria First” policy and protecting the international financing needed to bridge the country’s metering gap.
It added that the development aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to deepen power sector reforms, strengthen local industry, and improve electricity supply.
(The Whistler)