A major Nigerian power distributor has publicly refuted claims of involvement in a disputed prepaid electricity meter program circulating online, cautioning residents against unauthorized schemes. The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) issued a statement via its official social media channels on Thursday, denouncing a report promoting a 70,000-meter rollout in Badagry, a coastal town in Lagos State, as fraudulent and unauthorized.
The article in question, dated August 11, 2025, and titled “Hunpe Receives Briefing as 70,000 Prepaid Meter Distribution Kicks Off in Badagry,” had described the initiative as a collaboration between government bodies and DamLaw Energy Concept. EKEDC clarified that neither the company nor its Agbara regional office—which oversees operations in Badagry—has ties to the project. It specifically named Anthony Adekunle Ogungbemi and Daniel Adedokun as individuals falsely linked to the scheme, stressing that neither holds official roles, contractor status, or certification as Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) under EKEDC.
“Genuine meter deployment follows rigorous protocols,” the company emphasized, noting that federally backed programs conducted in partnership with distribution firms are always announced through coordinated public awareness campaigns. Residents were advised to disregard unauthorized initiatives and verify updates through EKEDC’s website, verified social media accounts, or customer service email.
The disclaimer highlighted rising concerns over electricity-related scams in Nigeria, where millions still lack access to reliable metering systems. Prepaid meters, seen as critical for accurate billing and reducing disputes, remain in high demand, creating opportunities for fraudulent actors to exploit customer frustrations.
EKEDC’s warning underscores the broader challenges faced by power providers in balancing infrastructure expansion with consumer protection. Authorities have repeatedly cautioned against third-party schemes lacking transparent oversight, particularly those bypassing established regulatory frameworks. The statement reiterated that the company bears no responsibility for financial losses from unapproved transactions, urging heightened vigilance among customers.
For context, Nigeria’s National Mass Metering Programme, a federal effort launched in 2020 to distribute millions of prepaid meters nationwide, has faced delays due to funding gaps and logistical hurdles. This vacuum has occasionally led to unauthorized vendors offering meters at inflated costs or under false pretenses. EKEDC’s latest alert serves as a reminder for consumers to cross-check claims through mandated channels before engaging with services claiming official endorsement.
