Meter Manufacturers Withdraw Suit Against FG, Paving Way For Rollout Of 1.55 Million Smart Meters
The Association of Meter Manufacturers of Nigeria (AMMON) has withdrawn its legal action against the Federal Government, clearing the way for the deployment of 1.55 million smart electricity meters under several government-backed power sector programmes.
The decision followed weeks of discussions between the association, the Federal Ministry of Power, and other key stakeholders aimed at resolving disagreements that had stalled the nationwide metering initiative.
The lawsuit, which was filed at the Federal High Court in Kano, had earlier resulted in an injunction that suspended procurement activities under major electricity metering programmes, including the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), Meter Acquisition Fund Phase Three (MAF 3) and the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI).
According to the Ministry of Power, the breakthrough came after Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe convened a high-level meeting involving AMMON, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and other stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the dispute.
The ministry explained that the parties reached a mutually acceptable agreement that protects the interests of local meter manufacturers while ensuring compliance with both local and international procurement standards.
With the case now withdrawn, the government is expected to immediately resume the suspended procurement process, allowing the long-delayed installation of smart meters to move forward across the country.
Officials said the deployment of the meters is a key part of efforts to reduce Nigeria’s huge metering deficit, eliminate estimated billing and improve revenue collection within the electricity distribution sector.
The Ministry of Power added that the resolution supports the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting indigenous manufacturing while accelerating reforms in the power sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the development, saying the installation of more prepaid meters will improve transparency in electricity billing, reduce disputes between consumers and distribution companies, and strengthen confidence in the nation’s power supply system.
The government expressed optimism that the renewed cooperation between local manufacturers and relevant agencies will speed up the nationwide rollout of smart meters and improve electricity service delivery to millions of Nigerians.