Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has raised concerns over the slow progress of the national free meter initiative, attributing significant delays to interference by unauthorised third-party agents. According to the company, while the programme aims to deliver thousands of meters to eligible households and businesses to improve electricity metering and billing accuracy, the activities of rogue intermediaries have undermined efficiency and caused bottlenecks in distribution.
Officials at EKEDC said the free meter initiative is designed to enhance accountability, reduce energy losses, and promote accurate billing, particularly for residential and small commercial consumers. The scheme is part of a broader effort by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to ensure that all electricity users are correctly metered, addressing longstanding complaints about estimated billing and disputed charges.
However, the distribution company noted that a growing number of third-party agents, unaffiliated with the official programme, have been soliciting payments, promising faster delivery of meters, or engaging in fraudulent schemes. These activities have created confusion among consumers, slowed the official rollout, and sometimes led to mistrust of the programme. EKEDC emphasised that the free meters are provided at no cost to eligible customers and warned against paying unauthorised individuals or groups claiming to facilitate access.
The company added that while it has significantly ramped up efforts to reach customers across Lagos and its environs, the presence of rogue agents has increased operational challenges. In some instances, consumers who interact with these intermediaries encounter delays, improper installations, or non-functional meters, further complicating EKEDC’s mission to achieve full metering compliance.
EKEDC’s management reiterated that all free meter installations are handled exclusively through verified channels under the supervision of authorised staff. The company has urged residents and businesses to report any unauthorised requests for payment or attempts to circumvent official processes. It stressed that customer cooperation is critical to ensure that meters are distributed fairly, safely, and efficiently.
Industry observers have noted that such interference by third-party actors is not unique to Lagos but reflects broader challenges in the electricity distribution sector nationwide. Despite regulatory frameworks and government-backed programmes, gaps in communication, limited public awareness, and opportunistic behaviour by unauthorised individuals continue to frustrate metering initiatives.
EKEDC explained that the free meter rollout is part of a comprehensive strategy to improve electricity service delivery. Accurate metering allows for precise billing, reduces energy theft, and provides data that utilities can use to plan network expansion and maintenance more effectively. The initiative also aligns with the government’s target of achieving near-universal metering coverage, which is critical for the financial sustainability of distribution companies and the sector at large.
The distribution firm added that while progress has been made, it continues to encounter challenges beyond rogue intermediaries. Logistics constraints, high demand from consumers, and the technical complexity of installing large volumes of meters across dense urban areas have slowed distribution. EKEDC stressed that addressing these issues requires close collaboration with regulators, technology providers, and the public.
In response to the current disruptions, EKEDC has intensified its monitoring efforts, deploying field teams to verify installations, track meter deliveries, and engage with consumers directly. Public education campaigns have also been launched to inform residents about official procedures for obtaining free meters and to discourage interaction with unauthorised agents. These campaigns include social media engagement, community outreach, and collaboration with local authorities.
The company also highlighted the importance of consumer vigilance, urging residents to insist on proper documentation during installations and to report irregularities to official channels. EKEDC officials warned that failure to adhere to authorised processes could compromise meter functionality, billing accuracy, and long-term service reliability.
The free meter initiative is a critical component of Nigeria’s broader strategy to modernise electricity distribution, enhance revenue collection, and encourage investment in the sector. By eliminating estimated billing and ensuring that every customer has a functional, verifiable meter, the programme seeks to restore confidence in electricity service providers while fostering transparency.
EKEDC concluded by reaffirming its commitment to completing the free meter rollout despite current challenges. The company assured stakeholders that efforts to eliminate third-party interference are ongoing and that measurable progress will continue in the coming months. Officials reiterated that all eligible consumers will ultimately receive meters at no cost, provided they comply with the authorised application and installation procedures.
As Nigeria works toward universal metering, the success of the initiative depends on cooperation among utilities, regulators, and consumers, as well as robust enforcement against fraudulent practices. EKEDC’s warning serves as a timely reminder that protecting the integrity of the programme is essential for its long-term success and for improving the overall quality of electricity service delivery in Lagos and beyond.
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