Consumer Group Urges House of Representatives to Probe N200bn Meter Fund

A consumer advocacy group has called on the House of Representatives to investigate the management and disbursement of the N200 billion National Mass Metering Program (NMMP) fund, aimed at addressing the persistent issue of metering gaps in Nigeria’s electricity sector. The group is raising concerns about the lack of transparency and the slow progress of the program, which was intended to provide prepaid electricity meters to millions of Nigerian households.

The NMMP was launched by the Federal Government in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to curb estimated billing practices and promote efficiency in the distribution of electricity. Despite the allocation of substantial funds, the consumer group claims that many Nigerians remain unmetered, leaving them vulnerable to inflated and arbitrary electricity bills.

Call for Accountability

In a formal statement, the group stressed the importance of accountability in the handling of public funds, particularly in a critical sector like electricity, which directly affects the livelihood of millions. The group believes that the slow rollout of prepaid meters indicates inefficiencies in the program’s management or potential misuse of the allocated funds.

“We are urging the House of Representatives to conduct a thorough investigation into the N200bn meter fund to determine whether it has been effectively used to meet the objectives of the National Mass Metering Program. Millions of Nigerians are still grappling with estimated billing, and it raises questions about the transparency of the entire process,” the statement said.

The advocacy group also emphasized that many consumers have lodged complaints about their continued reliance on estimated billing, despite assurances that they would receive prepaid meters. The group argues that addressing these concerns would require both a proper audit of the funds and a reassessment of the program’s implementation strategy.

### Persistent Metering Gap

The NMMP was designed to close the metering gap by distributing at least six million prepaid meters to homes and businesses across Nigeria. However, according to recent reports from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), only a fraction of the target has been met, leaving a significant portion of electricity users still unmetered.

The consumer group pointed out that, while the funds were intended to address this issue, many electricity distribution companies (DisCos) have failed to meet their obligations to provide meters to their customers. This has led to suspicions of mismanagement or misallocation of funds by the DisCos or other entities involved in the program.

“There needs to be greater oversight over how these funds are used,” said a representative of the group. “Without adequate meters, consumers are left at the mercy of estimated billing, which is often inaccurate and inflated. The public deserves to know why the metering targets have not been achieved.”

### Estimated Billing: A Long-Standing Challenge

Estimated billing has been one of the most contentious issues facing Nigerian electricity consumers. Under the estimated billing system, customers without prepaid meters are charged based on a rough estimate of their electricity usage, often resulting in exorbitant bills that bear little relation to actual consumption. This has led to widespread dissatisfaction and protests by consumers, who have long demanded a fair and accurate billing system.

The NMMP was supposed to address this issue by ensuring that every electricity user receives a prepaid meter. However, the slow pace of meter deployment has meant that many consumers are still subject to the controversial estimated billing system. This, the consumer group argues, is a clear indication of the program’s failure to meet its intended goals.

“Consumers have been patient, but their patience is wearing thin. They were promised meters, but many are still waiting. The program was supposed to end the injustice of estimated billing, but instead, it has left us with more questions than answers,” the group stated.

### Legislative Action and Oversight

In response to the consumer group’s plea, the House of Representatives is expected to consider launching a formal investigation into the disbursement and management of the N200bn meter fund. The goal would be to ensure that the funds are being used effectively and that the metering gap is being closed as promised.

The probe would involve reviewing the disbursement process, auditing the performance of the electricity distribution companies, and ensuring that the funds are reaching their intended targets. The House may also summon officials from the Federal Ministry of Power, the CBN, and the DisCos to provide explanations and reports on the status of the NMMP.

“An investigation is critical to restoring consumer confidence in the electricity sector,” a representative of the group noted. “The House of Representatives has the power to ensure accountability and transparency in the handling of these funds. We hope they take swift action to uncover the truth and put the program back on track.”

Looking Ahead

The consumer group’s call for an investigation highlights broader concerns about Nigeria’s electricity sector, which has struggled for years with inefficiencies, financial mismanagement, and regulatory challenges. With the NMMP, the government had hoped to address at least one of the most pressing issues by eliminating estimated billing and providing consumers with the tools they need to monitor and manage their electricity usage.

If the investigation moves forward, it could shed light on why the program has fallen short of expectations and what steps can be taken to correct the course. For now, Nigerian consumers remain hopeful that the House of Representatives will heed their call and take the necessary actions to ensure that the NMMP fulfills its promise.

In conclusion, the consumer group’s demand for a probe into the N200bn meter fund underscores the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the electricity sector. As millions of Nigerians continue to struggle with inaccurate billing, the group is advocating for swift legislative action to address the metering gap and restore confidence in the government’s ability to manage public resources effectively.