Electricity consumers demand answers on N200bn metering programme, urge lawmakers to investigate

The Association for Public Policy Analysis of the Electricity Consumers Protection and Advocacy Centre on Wednesday urged the House of Representatives to conclude its investigation into the disbursement of N200 billion allocated for the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) by the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2020.

In a press release, Princewill Okorie, National President of the association, expressed concerns about the programme’s implementation, citing discrepancies, mismanagement, and non-compliance with loan terms. “Our research revealed a seed capital of N200 billion was invested, with N59.280 billion for the pilot phase to provide one million meters,” Okorie stated.

“As an association, we are constrained to call on the House of Representatives Committee on Banking Regulations not to fail Nigeria electricity consumers who are expecting that the outcome of the investigation shall address the challenges of metering in the electricity sector,” Okorie added.

The advocacy group criticized Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu for announcing the procurement of 1.8 million meters without explaining metering policies introduced before his appointment.

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Okorie highlighted the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) 2018 Meter Assets Provider initiative, which allowed consumers to pay for meters and recover funds through energy credits from Distribution Companies (Discos).

“How many meters were paid for and installed for electricity consumers under the MAP from 2018 before NMMP in 2020?” Okorie questioned. “There is a need for evidence on consumers who received meters under the NMMP scheme in Disco franchise areas for transparency and accountability.”

Okorie also raised concerns about loan repayment: “There is a difference of over N3 billion between the total allocated funds and drawdown. There is a need to find out the reason for the very low repayment of N7 billion from 2020 to 2024 for a loan of over N59 billion given to Discos.”

It also stated that “The fund administrator, Meristem Wealth Management Ltd, should be invited to throw light on the disbursement”.

Okorie said. “The final issue is the need to find out the status of the NMMP loan for which N200 billion was to be provided in phases. Since 2020 when the pilot phase commenced, nothing has been heard about the NMMP again. Has it ended at the pilot phase? Was the N200 billion kept aside by CBN? What is happening to the fund and NMMP?”

The group requested that NERC explain:

– Meter Assets Provider Programme: Extent of implementation.
– NMMP Loan Allocation: Criteria and strategy.
– Meter Distribution and Installation: Evidence.
– Low Repayment: Plans to address interest challenges.

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