Nigeria’s Electricity Distribution Companies Metered 227,559 Customers in Two Months — NERC

Nigeria’s Electricity Distribution Companies Metered 227,559 Customers in Two Months — NERC

Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies (DisCos) installed 227,559 new electricity meters between March and April 2026, according to the latest Metering Factsheet released by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). The development marks another step in the country’s effort to reduce estimated billing and improve transparency in electricity service delivery.

The report shows that DisCos deployed 115,905 meters in March and 111,654 meters in April, increasing the total number of metered customers nationwide to 7.44 million out of 12.46 million active electricity customers. As a result, the national metering rate rose to 59.69%, up from 59.13% in March.

Metering has remained one of the most important issues in Nigeria’s electricity sector. Customers without meters are often placed on estimated billing, a practice that has long generated complaints over inaccurate charges and a lack of transparency. Expanding meter deployment helps ensure that consumers pay only for the electricity they actually use while also strengthening revenue collection for distribution companies.

Despite the progress, the figures also highlight the scale of the remaining challenge. More than five million active electricity customers are still without meters, meaning a significant proportion of households and businesses continue to rely on estimated billing. At the current pace of deployment, industry stakeholders say sustained investment and policy support will be needed to close the metering gap.

The latest data also reveals differences in performance across the country’s electricity distributors. Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electric, and Abuja Electricity Distribution Company continue to record the highest metering rates, reflecting stronger progress in expanding meter coverage within their franchise areas.

While the increase in metering is a positive development, experts note that solving Nigeria’s electricity challenges will require more than meter installations. Improvements in power generation, transmission infrastructure, and distribution networks remain essential to delivering reliable electricity to homes and businesses.

Nevertheless, the latest NERC figures indicate that Nigeria is making gradual progress toward a more transparent and accountable electricity market, with expanded metering remaining a key pillar of ongoing power sector reforms.

Blessing Anolaba
Editorial & Creative Correspondent
A storyteller and journalist passionate about telling stories for policy change and impact.