Ezechi Pushes for Reform in Nigeria’s Power Sector, Tackling Metering Crisis
ABUJA/Nigeria: Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, the Representative for Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, has called for urgent reforms to address the ongoing metering crisis that continues to plague Nigeria’s electricity sector.
On the 27th of November, 2024, during a plenary session of the House of Representatives, Ezechi moved a motion urging the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and Distribution Companies (DisCos) to tackle the widespread issue of obsolete meters and the associated financial burdens on consumers.
The motion, which was adopted by the House, highlighted the failure of DisCos to replace faulty meters, despite a clear directive from NERC. These outdated meters have left many Nigerians with inaccurate billing, causing unjust financial strain. Ezechi expressed concern over the lack of infrastructure improvements, which has resulted in consumers bearing the brunt of inadequate service delivery.
In a bid to resolve these challenges, the House of Representatives passed several resolutions. First, NERC was urged to enforce its directive mandating the replacement of faulty meters at no additional cost to consumers. The House also called on the House Committee on Power to launch an investigation into the non-compliance of DisCos and assess the extent to which consumers have been forced to fund repairs themselves.
Ezechi, who has long advocated for better living conditions in his constituency and across Nigeria, further stressed the importance of prioritising the funding of electricity infrastructure upgrades. “The power sector is the backbone of any economy. We cannot move forward as a nation if our people continue to suffer from inadequate and inefficient electricity services,” he stated during his presentation.
The House also directed DisCos to implement a transparent system for meter upgrades, including penalties for those who fail to comply with NERC’s guidelines. This is expected to ensure that both consumers and service providers are held accountable, restoring public trust in the sector.
In concluding his motion, Hon. Ezechi expressed optimism that the resolutions would bring about significant changes for Nigerians who have long been burdened by erratic power supply and overbilling. “These measures are crucial in restoring confidence in the electricity distribution system and ensuring that Nigerians can enjoy affordable, efficient, and reliable power,” he said.
The adoption of these resolutions marks a significant step toward addressing the ongoing electricity metering crisis, with hopes that the reforms will lead to a more transparent, accountable, and sustainable power sector in the country.
