The Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Musiliu Oseni, says between 600,000 and 700,000 electricity meters are currently available in the country, urging distribution companies (DisCos) to accelerate deployment and improve customer communication.
According to a statement shared on NERC’s X handle on Tuesday, Oseni spoke at the 4th NESI Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abuja, where he stressed that government investments have already ensured meter availability. He said it is now up to the DisCos to deliver them promptly to customers.
“There are currently 600,000 to 700,000 meters available in the country. Utilities must improve publicity. The government has made the investment, so the DisCos need to step up,” he said.
Oseni also addressed the ongoing transition to State Electricity Regulatory Commissions, warning that DisCos must fully cooperate with the new regulators, as no operator is above oversight.
“No licensee is bigger than their regulator,” he cautioned, emphasising the need for DisCos to align with the emerging regulatory framework as states assume greater roles in electricity governance.
He further clarified misconceptions about the tenure of NERC Commissioners. Oseni explained that the “staggering principle” referenced in Section 36 of the Electricity Act—originally applied under EPSRA—was meant only for the pioneer Commission. All subsequent Chairmen and Commissioners, he noted, serve fixed five-year terms, as stated in Section 36(1) of the Act.
The meeting was Oseni’s final NESI stakeholders’ session as NERC Vice Chairman.
