The Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Musiliu Oseni, has stated that between 600,000 and 700,000 electricity meters are currently available in the country, calling on distribution companies to speed up their rollout and improve public communication.

According to a post obtained from NERC’s X handle on Tuesday, while speaking at the 4th NESI Stakeholders Meeting in Abuja, Oseni said the government has already made the necessary investments to make the meters available, and it is now the responsibility of the DisCos to ensure they reach customers without delay.

“There are currently 600,000 to 700,000 meters available in the country. Utilities must improve publicity. The government has made the investment, so the DisCos need to step up.”

He also addressed the ongoing transition to Stat e Electricity Regulatory Commissions, urging DisCos to fully cooperate with the new regulators. According to him, no operator is above regulatory oversight.

“No licensee is bigger than their regulator,” he warned, stressing that DisCos must align with the emerging regulatory framework as states take up greater responsibility for power sector governance.

Oseni also clarified recent misinformation regarding the tenure of NERC commissioners.  He explained that the “staggering principle” referenced in Section 36 of the Electricity Act—originally derived from the Electricity Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA)—applied only to the pioneer commission.

All subsequent chairmen and commissioners, he said, have fixed five-year terms as stated in Section 36(1) of the Act. The meeting marks Oseni’s final NESI stakeholders’ session in his capacity as Vice Chairman.

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