By Victoria Ojeme

The Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr. Tunji Bello, called for decisive measures to protect Nigerian electricity consumers from widespread issues with metering and billing practices.

Speaking on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ meeting at FCCPC headquarters in Abuja, Bello noted the “collective responsibility” of electricity providers and regulators to uphold consumer rights and ensure fair treatment under Nigeria’s regulatory framework.

“Electricity should be reliable, accessible, and affordable. Unfortunately, Nigerian consumers continue to face billing inaccuracies, poor customer care, and burdensome requirements like paying upfront for meters—practices that are clearly prohibited under the NERC Meter Asset Provider and National Mass Metering Regulations 2021,” Bello said.

He emphasised that these challenges, largely due to “systemic inefficiencies” and a “troubling culture of impunity” among certain service providers, are unacceptable and will face immediate regulatory consequences.

Concerns have intensified with a recent announcement from an electricity distribution company (DisCo) regarding the phase-out of the Unistar prepaid meter model, set for November 14, 2024.

The lack of clarity on whether consumers would be financially responsible for new meters, along with fears of arbitrary estimated billing, has sparked significant anxiety among consumers already grappling with a challenging economic climate.

FCCPC shared a message from an Ikeja Electric consumer, expressing frustration: “The exploitation of IKEDC on the change of meter is unacceptable… To change the meters in my house will cost about N1 million… This is too much to bear at this difficult time.”

In response, FCCPC has convened this meeting with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), and representatives from the twelve DisCos and Unistar, the meter manufacturer.

FCCPC aims to ensure “every metering process remains transparent and accountable, prioritising the interests of consumers.” The Commission is pressing for DisCos to absorb the replacement costs for meters and is demanding strict compliance with the prohibition against arbitrary billing.

Bello also revealed that Unistar Hi-Tech Meters, the manufacturer, has clarified that their meters are compatible with the currently used Standard Transfer Specification (STS) technology. FCCPC will further investigate these claims and will push for solutions that prevent consumer hardship.

Bello reiterated FCCPC’s commitment to “unbiased enforcement of all consumer protection regulations.” He also pledged to intensify consumer education on metering and billing rights to counter exploitation.

“We will ensure fairness, accountability, and transparency in Nigeria’s electricity market, holding service providers to the highest standards for the benefit of consumers,” Bello said.