During a recent webinar on rapid meter rollout, electricity sector experts urged the Nigerian government and private investors to boost local production of electricity meters, secure sustainable financing and expand smart‑meter technology to close the country's metering gap.
**What progress has been made in metering coverage?**
Odion Omonfoman, who hosted the session, disclosed that his company has already reached over 90 percent metering coverage, having installed more than 200,000 meters through the [Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electricity_meter) and a vendor‑financing model. He added that the firm aims to achieve 100 percent coverage by extending installations to every customer linked to its transformers and feeders.
**Why is metering considered a strategic investment?**
Omonfoman emphasized that metering is essential for revenue assurance, allowing consumers to pay only for the electricity they actually use and reducing the dissatisfaction that stems from estimated billing.
**How is Abia Power tackling electricity theft?**
Engr. Alegie Alfred, Head of Metering at [Abia Power](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abia_Power), explained that the utility combats energy theft, meter bypass and vandalism through routine inspections, remote monitoring, analysis of consumption patterns, customer education programmes and dedicated revenue‑protection teams.
**What can Nigeria learn from India's smart‑meter rollout?**
Ravleen Sethi, Director of Large Corporate Ratings at CareEdge, pointed to India’s experience, noting that government‑backed programmes, private‑sector investment and improved financing arrangements have accelerated smart‑meter deployment there. She highlighted the [Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revamped_Distribution_Sector_Scheme), launched in 2021, as a key catalyst for expanding India’s metering manufacturing capacity.
**What does the Meter Manufacturers Association recommend?**
Engr. Durosola Omogbenigun, President of the [Meter Manufacturers Association of Nigeria](https://www.mman.org.ng), called for a coordinated national metering plan that brings together federal and state governments, distribution companies, investors, regulators and local manufacturers to ensure a sustainable supply chain and financing framework for meters.
The consensus among the panelists was clear: a unified strategy that combines local production, reliable financing and smart‑meter technology is vital for closing Nigeria’s metering gap and strengthening the nation’s power sector.