Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to eliminating the controversial estimated billing system within the country’s power sector. This declaration was made during a meeting with the management of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) as part of the minister’s comprehensive tour of Nigeria’s power facilities, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with key stakeholders to propel the power sector forward.
Adelabu highlighted the pressing need to address consumer complaints, stressing that the IBEDC, as the largest distribution company, shoulders significant responsibilities and faces high consumer expectations. The minister underscored the wide metering gap in Nigeria, where approximately 50% of customers within the company’s coverage area remain without meters. He emphatically expressed that citizens are weary of estimated billing due to its propensity for fostering dishonesty between consumers, staff, and the company. Adelabu boldly stated that the government aims to end estimated billing by the year’s end to usher in a transparent and equitable billing system.
The minister disclosed the establishment of a presidential metering initiative by President Bola Tinubu, with the ambitious goal of closing the staggering eight million meter gap in Nigeria within three to five years. Adelabu emphasized that achieving this target, requiring the installation of about two million meters annually, is imperative for citizens to enjoy stable power supply. Moreover, he condemned the common practice of communities pooling funds to acquire transformers and electrical equipment, asserting that this practice must cease.
Adelabu revealed that a progressive electricity tariff review is imminent, assuring that it will not unduly burden citizens. He stressed the necessity of extensive public enlightenment before implementing any tariff reviews and emphasized the need to bolster electricity supply to incentivize timely payments. The minister also expressed the need for the tariff review to be favorable compared to alternative energy sources.
The Managing Director of IBEDC, Kingsley Achife, echoed Adelabu’s sentiments, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the non-cost-reflective electricity tariffs to enhance service quality. Achife disclosed the imminent opening of a transformer repair workshop in Ibadan to expedite transformer repairs and swiftly restore operations. Additionally, he revealed the impending arrival of 300 transformers to bolster the company’s service capabilities within its coverage area. Achife urged the ministry to harness substantial investment opportunities along the Ibadan-Lagos expressway, unlocking untapped potential due to the dense concentration of organizations in the region.
In conclusion, the unwavering commitment of Nigeria’s government to revolutionize the power sector and prioritize consumer welfare heralds a new dawn for electricity consumers. The concerted efforts to eradicate estimated billing, narrow the metering gap, and enhance service quality underscore the nation’s resolve to deliver stable and equitable power supply to its citizens.
NAN
