Nigeria Minister Directs Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company on Meter Rollout

Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power for Nigeria, has directed the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to immediately accelerate the distribution of 59,000 free prepaid meters provided by the Federal Government. During a working visit to Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company headquarters, Adebayo Adelabu criticized the company for only installing 16,300 meters, emphasizing that the slow deployment undermines revenue targets and encourages billing irregularities. This engagement is part of President Bola Tinubu's plan to transform Nigeria's power sector. Adebayo Adelabu urged Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company to prioritize meter deployment to rebuild customer confidence, reduce losses, and ensure the sustainability of the power sector. He also encouraged Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company to explore opportunities like embedded generation, referencing the Ikere Gorge Dam concession to Quaint Energy, and franchising arrangements. Francis Agoha, the Managing Director of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, acknowledged the government's support and revealed that Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company had operated without core investors for four years but has recently been acquired by new investors committed to providing necessary investments.