Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu Orders IBEDC to Fast-Track Rollout of 59,000 Free Prepaid Meters

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has directed the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to speed up the deployment of 59,000 free prepaid meters allocated to customers within its franchise area, as part of efforts to improve billing transparency and service delivery.

Adelabu issued the directive during a working visit to IBEDC’s headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State, emphasizing that the meters — provided under the federal government’s Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) — should not remain idle in storage. Out of the 59,000 units supplied, only about 16,300 have been installed so far, prompting concerns over slow implementation.

“This engagement reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to solution-driven collaboration with operators in the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry,” the minister said, urging IBEDC to prioritise rapid meter deployment. He added that the meters were provided to improve the financial viability of distribution companies, reduce energy losses, and ensure consumers pay accurately for power consumed.

Adelabu also encouraged the company to explore embedded generation opportunities — citing the concession of the Ikere Gorge Dam to Quaint Energy as a pathway to integrate up to 10 MW of additional capacity into the network. Additionally, he advised IBEDC to consider franchising models and interconnected mini-grid partnerships to improve supply reliability within its service territory.

The minister’s intervention aligns with the broader reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which aims to strengthen distribution company performance, enhance metering coverage, and support a more reliable electricity supply nationwide.