Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has announced that the Federal Government has released N12.7 billion from the N40 billion earmarked for the mass metering project to provide meters in army barracks across Nigeria.
Speaking during the flagoff of the metering exercise at the headquarters of the 9th brigade of the Nigerian Army, Ikeja Military Cantonment, Adelabu outlined the details of the initiative, which aims to improve electricity supply and billing accuracy in military formations nationwide.
The minister highlighted that the metering exercise would be conducted in phases, with the Ikeja cantonment marking the commencement of the first phase, slated to last six weeks before the rollout of the second phase.
Adelabu emphasized the importance of mass metering in army formations to accurately track electricity consumption, eliminate estimated billing, and facilitate efficient billing and collection processes.
He underscored President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring regular electricity supply to military barracks as part of the government’s renewed hope agenda, emphasizing the prioritization of public utilities for the armed forces.
The smart meters being installed are tamper-proof and equipped with features to deter energy theft, including an app for customers to access monthly consumption statements. Additionally, the meters enable interconnectivity between grid and off-grid solar power supply, aligning with the country’s energy blueprint.
Ashade Olatunbosun, CEO of De Haryor Global Services, revealed that the second phase of the project would commence simultaneously in Abuja and Enugu, benefiting military formations across the 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos).
Adegoke Adetuyi, Commander of the 9th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Ikeja, lauded the federal government’s metering initiative, noting its timeliness in addressing the challenges of epileptic power supply experienced by the brigade headquarters.
