By Milcah Tanimu
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, announced that the federal government has disbursed N12.7 billion towards providing prepaid meters for army barracks nationwide.
Adelabu revealed that this allocation is part of the N40 billion designated for the mass metering project. His statement, conveyed by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, highlighted the commencement of the metering exercise at the headquarters of the 9th brigade of the Nigerian army, Ikeja Military Cantonment, Lagos State.
He outlined that the metering exercise would proceed in phases, with Ikeja Cantonment being the first phase, lasting for six weeks before the subsequent phases commence.
Adelabu emphasized that mass metering in army formations across the country is aimed at accurately measuring monthly consumption to facilitate appropriate billing and streamline collections. The overarching goal is to eradicate estimated billing entirely.
The minister attributed this initiative to President Bola Tinubu’s “renewed hope agenda,” ensuring consistent electricity supply to army formations nationwide.
He highlighted the installation of tamper-proof smart meters designed to deter energy theft, equipped with an app for customers to access their consumption statements monthly.
Furthermore, Adelabu elaborated on the meters’ capability for interconnectivity between the grid and off-grid solar power supply. He emphasized the strategic energy blueprint, which includes prioritizing electricity supply to military barracks, particularly those in remote areas without grid access.
In cases where grid supply is insufficient, Adelabu mentioned the provision for an interchange between the grid and solar supply. This approach ensures that barracks receive adequate electricity, even if dissatisfaction arises with the hours supplied by distribution companies (DISCOs).
The minister concluded by stressing the importance of prioritizing electricity supply to military installations, aligning with the government’s commitment to enhancing public utilities and national security.