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Despite a massive investment of N1.5 trillion in electricity metering, over seven million electricity consumers across Nigeria continue to face persistent challenges with power supply and billing accuracy. The government and power sector stakeholders had promised that the huge expenditure on metering would bring relief to consumers by ensuring accurate billing, reducing power theft, and improving overall electricity distribution. However, years after the investment, many households and businesses still grapple with erratic power supply, inflated bills, and unreliable metering systems.

This news story explores the reasons behind this ongoing electricity crisis, its impact on consumers, and the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s power sector.

In recent years, Nigeria’s electricity sector has been plagued by chronic issues such as power outages, inaccurate billing, and widespread electricity theft. To address these problems, the government, through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Distribution Companies (DisCos), launched an ambitious metering program aimed at installing prepaid and postpaid meters for all electricity consumers.

The program, which has seen an investment of approximately N1.5 trillion, was designed to:

Replace estimated billing with accurate metering.

Curb electricity theft and revenue losses.

Improve customer satisfaction by providing reliable billing.

Enhance the financial viability of DisCos.

Boost overall electricity distribution efficiency.

The expectation was that by providing meters to millions of households and businesses, consumers would finally enjoy uninterrupted power supply and transparent billing.

Despite the significant financial outlay, the reality for many Nigerians has been far from the promised relief. According to recent data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, about seven million consumers remain unmetered or face issues with faulty meters. This has led to a continuation of estimated billing, which many consumers describe as unfair and arbitrary.

One of the most pressing issues is the continued erratic power supply. Many consumers report frequent power outages lasting several hours or even days. This unreliability undermines the benefits of metering, as consumers are often billed for electricity they did not receive.

A Lagos-based small business owner, Mrs. Adebayo, lamented, “We were told the new meters would help us pay only for what we use, but the power goes off for days, yet the bills keep coming. It’s frustrating and unsustainable.”

The rollout of meters has been slow and uneven across the country. While some urban areas have seen better coverage, rural and semi-urban communities continue to wait for meters. Additionally, many consumers who have received meters complain about faulty or malfunctioning devices that either do not register consumption accurately or stop working altogether.

Mr. Emeka, a resident of Enugu, shared his experience: “My meter was installed last year, but it stopped working after three months. I reported it several times, but no one has come to fix it. Meanwhile, I’m still being billed based on estimates.”

Due to the shortage of functional meters, DisCos often resorts to estimated billing, which many consumers believe is inflated and arbitrary. This has led to widespread distrust between consumers and electricity providers.

Consumer advocacy groups have reported numerous cases where consumers receive bills that are several times higher than their actual usage. This has sparked protests and legal challenges in various parts of the country.

The failure to provide accurate metering has significant financial implications for both consumers and the power sector.

For consumers, inaccurate billing means paying more than their fair share for electricity. Many low-income households, already struggling with economic hardship, find it difficult to settle inflated bills, leading to disconnections and further hardship.

Ms. Fatima, a single mother in Kano, expressed her frustration: “I try to pay my bills, but sometimes they are so high that I have to choose between electricity and food for my children.”

On the other hand, DisCos suffers revenue losses due to electricity theft and non-payment by consumers who dispute their bills. The lack of reliable metering makes it difficult for DisCos to collect payments efficiently, affecting their ability to maintain and upgrade infrastructure.

Industry experts warn that without addressing these issues, the financial viability of the power sector remains at risk, potentially leading to further deterioration of services.

In response to these challenges, the government and regulatory bodies have taken several steps to accelerate the metering program and improve service delivery.

One notable initiative is the introduction of the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) model, which allows private companies to invest in meter procurement and installation. This public-private partnership aims to increase meter availability and reduce the financial burden on DisCos and the government.

The MAP model has shown some promise, with increased meter installations in certain regions. However, challenges remain in ensuring quality control and timely maintenance.

NERC has also intensified regulatory oversight, issuing directives to DisCos to improve billing accuracy and customer service. Consumer protection agencies have been empowered to investigate complaints and mediate disputes Despite these efforts, enforcement remains weak, and many consumers still feel neglected.

The electricity crisis has profound social and economic consequences for millions of Nigerians.

Frequent power outages and unreliable metering disrupt businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that rely on electricity for operations. This leads to reduced productivity, job losses, and increased costs as businesses resort to expensive alternatives like generators.

Mr. Chukwu, owner of a printing shop in Abuja, explained, “Without reliable electricity, I lose customers every day. The cost of running a generator is high, and the bills don’t match the power we get.”

Inadequate electricity supply also affects health facilities and schools, compromising essential services. Clinics struggle to power medical equipment, and schools find it difficult to provide conducive learning environments.

The frustration caused by electricity issues has occasionally sparked protests and social unrest. Consumers demand accountability and transparency from power providers and the government.

To address the ongoing electricity challenges, experts and stakeholders recommend a multi-faceted approach:

Accelerate Meter Deployment: The government and DisCos must prioritize rapid and widespread installation of reliable meters, especially in underserved areas.

Improve Meter Quality and Maintenance: Establish strict standards for meter quality and ensure timely repair or replacement of faulty meters.

Enhance Consumer Engagement: Increase transparency in billing and provide accessible channels for consumers to report issues and resolve disputes.

Strengthen Regulatory Enforcement: Empower NERC and other agencies to enforce compliance and penalize errant DisCos.

Invest in Infrastructure: Beyond metering, invest in upgrading generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure to improve overall power supply reliability.

Promote Alternative Energy Solutions: Encourage the adoption of renewable energy and off-grid solutions to reduce dependence on the national grid.

The promise of improved electricity services through a N1.5 trillion investment in metering remains unfulfilled for millions of Nigerians. While the initiative was well-intentioned, systemic issues such as poor implementation, faulty equipment, and weak regulatory enforcement continue to undermine progress.

For Nigeria to realize the full benefits of its power sector reforms, urgent and coordinated action is needed to ensure that every consumer has access to accurate metering and reliable electricity supply. Only then can the country hope to break free from the cycle of power woes that have long hindered its economic and social development.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was thrown into more disarray on Monday when armed police officers seized its national secretariat in Wadata Plaza in Abuja, preventing members of the party's Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC) from attending planned meetings.  The siege drew harsh criticism from Chief Bode George, former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the PDP, who warned that such government tactics risk turning Nigeria into a totalitarian regime similar to Russia or North Korea.

The police blockage occurred amid a worsening leadership crisis in the PDP, with disagreements over Senator Samuel Anyanwu's restoration as National Secretary and the party's 100th NEC meeting.  Security personnel, allegedly acting on "orders from above," barred BoT members from entering the NEC venue, forcing the meeting to be moved to the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre in Abuja's Central Business District.

Chief Bode George, obviously outraged by the proceedings, spoke to reporters on the site, condemning the police intervention as an attack on democracy and internal party autonomy.  "You came to our office, surrounded by cops, because you wanted to meet?  Do you want to direct us to North Korea?  Or give our nation over to Russia?  We will not tolerate it.  "Nigerians will not tolerate it," he said forcefully.

George called the police siege as "strikingly annoying," and questioned the legitimacy of the operation in the absence of a court order prohibiting the PDP from conducting meetings in its secretariat.  "This is our property."  What is happening?  I was a young guy in 1962 when it all began in the South West.  We must prevent such craziness.  What is it?  Can't we sit and talk?  "What is the essence of democracy?" he said rhetorically.

The PDP leader also advised the Federal Government against using such harsh measures to plunge the nation into turmoil.  He encouraged the government to prioritize tackling Nigeria's critical economic, financial, educational, and infrastructure concerns above intervening in party politics.  "Allow a sleeping dog to lie," George suggested, stressing that the party's internal conflicts should be settled via conversation rather than police coercion.

The episode has prompted significant concern among PDP members and onlookers, who see the police siege as a dangerous precedent that threatens Nigeria's democratic principles.  Senator Sam Egwu, former governor of Ebonyi State and a PDP supporter joined George in decrying the police takeover, calling it "an attack on democracy" reminiscent of military methods.  Egwu questioned why security services would restrict party elders from visiting their own headquarters, describing the secretariat's militarization as "unusual in a democracy."  He emphasized that internal party issues are natural and should be resolved without outside intervention.

The police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) troops who maintained the barrier apparently followed orders from higher authorities, but no official explanation has been offered.  The PDP leadership has accused the Federal Government of intervening in the party's internal affairs with the intent of stifling dissent and weakening opposition ahead of the next elections.

The BoT meeting, which was initially slated to take place at Wadata Plaza, was quickly moved to the Yar'Adua Centre, where party elders resumed their discussions away from the heated atmosphere at the secretariat.  The gathering intends to resolve the party's protracted leadership issue and restore unity ahead of crucial national elections.

This recent encounter is part of a larger trend of growing tensions between Nigeria's governing government and opposition groups, raising worries about the condition of democracy and constitutional rights.  Political scholars worry that such activities risk undermining public faith in democratic institutions and causing widespread political instability if not addressed.

Chief Bode George's reference to nations like as Russia and North Korea raises concerns that Nigeria is heading toward dictatorship.  His remark to "the voice of Jacob, but the hand of Esau" relates to a biblical metaphor for deceit and treachery, implying that although democratic language may be proclaimed, actions reveal a different reality.

The police siege of the PDP office and the exclusion of party elders from their meetings pose a huge threat to Nigeria's democratic process.  The strong denunciation from Bode George and other PDP officials emphasizes the importance of upholding democratic standards and enabling political parties to function freely and without fear.  The emerging events will put Nigeria's democracy to the test, as will its leaders' commitment to upholding fundamental liberties.

On Monday, June 30, 2025, the town of Lafiagi in Kwara State's Edu Local Government Area descended into turmoil as furious teenagers flocked to the streets to protest the deteriorating security situation in their villages.  The rally became violent, culminating in the burning of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) headquarters and damage to the Emir of Lafiagi's palace.

The demonstration was sparked by growing discontent with the ongoing terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and murders that have scared people in recent weeks.  Locals accused government authorities, including the state governor, local government chairman, and even traditional rulers, of neglecting to take meaningful steps to reduce the violence.  "We have been crying and dying in silence," one resident said.  "People are abducted every week.  We no longer sleep with both eyes closed, and nothing is being done to change this."

Videos circulating on social media show outraged youngsters screaming solidarity songs, holding banners, and setting fire to the NDLEA headquarters in Lafiagi.  Protesters also attacked the Emir's residence, breaking windows and damaging elements of the structure in their rage.  According to eyewitnesses, the turmoil escalated as the throng approached important government and security agency headquarters.

The protest was sparked by a recent increase in abductions and brutal raids in Lafiagi and adjacent villages.  Several locals were abducted over the weekend, including a well-known Point of Sale (POS) agent called Yman and two Hausa males, following a violent raid on Kokodo.  A little girl barely avoided arrest by running into the adjacent woods.  Families of the abducted have allegedly paid large ransoms, but many victims remain captive.

Residents have described the situation as a "climate of helplessness."  The latest kidnapping of a major agrochemical trader, known locally as Alhaji Chemical, happened in the early hours of Sunday when heavily armed men suspected of being Fulani bandits assaulted his home in the Taiwo region of Lafiagi.  The perpetrators arrived on motorbikes and overpowered local vigilantes with overwhelming weaponry before taking the victim away to an unknown place.

According to neighborhood sources, the demonstration was the culmination of long-held resentment over the government's perceived inactivity.  "Youths are weary, and the government is not taking any meaningful action.  "Our chairman and governor are not willing to assist us," a source said.  "The attacks are getting more intense; this is why the youth protested today".

Security personnel and local vigilante organizations have been informed, and they are allegedly attempting to free the abducted individuals and restore order.  However, the severity of the violence and the audacity of the assaults have left many locals feeling defenseless and abandoned.

The disturbance in Lafiagi is part of a larger trend of rising insecurity in Kwara State's northern area, where communities have grown more vulnerable to banditry, terrorism, and kidnappings for ransom.  The tragedy highlights the critical need for effective security measures and community participation to restore peace and trust among people.

As investigations continue and security authorities step up attempts to catch the offenders, the inhabitants of Lafiagi and the surrounding districts remain on edge, waiting for prompt government action to break the cycle of violence that has wrecked their everyday lives.

On Monday morning, June 30, 2025, armed policemen deployed in large numbers took control of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Abuja, in a move that has heightened tensions within the party ahead of a highly anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for the same day.

The police presence was heavy and strategic, with officers mounting guard at the gates of the NEC hall, barring entry to members of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), including prominent figures such as Maina Chiroma. The BoT members were prevented from holding their meeting at the secretariat, a session intended to precede the expanded caucus meeting of the NEC. Reports indicate that the police acted on what was described by party insiders as an “order from above”.

The deployment of security forces extended beyond the secretariat itself, with Dalaba Street—the main road leading to Wadata Plaza—cordoned off by policemen, effectively sealing off access to the party headquarters. Journalists covering the event were also asked to leave the premises, and some party staff initially allowed inside were later escorted out by security operatives.

This police intervention has been widely interpreted as an attempt to disrupt the PDP’s internal processes at a critical juncture. The party has been embroiled in an internal crisis for several years, marked by leadership tussles and legal battles, particularly over the position of National Secretary. Both Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye have laid claim to this role, leading to multiple court cases and conflicting interpretations of Supreme Court rulings.

The Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagun, had announced the postponement of the NEC meeting last week, but the National Working Committee (NWC) insisted that the 100th NEC meeting would proceed as planned on June 30. The BoT, which opposes some of Damagun’s decisions, was set to meet to discuss the party’s direction but was blocked by the police.

In response to the police blockade, the PDP swiftly relocated its BoT meeting from the Wadata Plaza to the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja’s Central Business District. The party condemned the police action as harassment and accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the security deployment to undermine the PDP’s internal democracy.

The PDP’s official statement on social media described the police presence as an attempt to intimidate party members and disrupt the scheduled meetings. The party urged all BoT members to proceed to the new venue and continue their deliberations despite the interference.

Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command denied allegations that it had sealed off the PDP secretariat. In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer SP Josephine Adeh described the reports as “false, misleading, and not reflective of the true situation on the ground,” suggesting a dispute over the narrative of the events.

The escalating security presence and the barring of party officials from their headquarters underscore the deepening crisis within the PDP, which has seen frequent postponements of key meetings and ongoing legal wrangling over leadership. The tension between the Acting National Chairman and other party organs, including the BoT and NWC, reflects a broader struggle for control within Nigeria’s main opposition party.

Political analysts warn that the current impasse could have significant implications for the PDP’s cohesion and electoral prospects, especially as internal divisions become more public and security forces get involved in what is fundamentally a political dispute.

As of the time of reporting, the situation remains fluid, with the relocated BoT meeting underway at the Yar’Adua Centre and the NEC meeting’s status uncertain. Observers continue to monitor the developments closely, noting that the involvement of state security agencies in party affairs is a worrying sign for Nigeria’s democratic processes.

The PDP has been Nigeria’s main opposition party since losing the presidency in 2015. Its internal crises have often spilled into the public domain, with factions disputing leadership legitimacy and control of party structures. The National Secretary position, in particular, has been a flashpoint, with competing claims and court rulings failing to bring lasting resolution.

The recent police intervention at the party secretariat is unprecedented in scale and symbolism, signaling a new phase in the party’s struggles. It raises questions about the role of security agencies in political party affairs and the extent to which external forces may be influencing internal party dynamics.

The PDP leadership faces the immediate challenge of reconciling its factions and restoring order within its ranks. The BoT meeting at the new venue is expected to address the crisis and possibly chart a way forward. However, the police action and the denial by the FCT Police Command suggest that the dispute may not be resolved without further confrontation.

The broader political community, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which the PDP leadership had engaged following previous postponements, will be watching closely. The outcome of this crisis could shape the party’s readiness for upcoming elections and its ability to present a united front against the ruling APC.

Armed policemen took over the PDP National Secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Abuja, barring BoT members from holding their meetings.

The police acted on an alleged “order from above” to prevent the NEC Expanded Caucus Meeting.

The PDP relocated its BoT meeting to the Yar’Adua Centre and condemned the police action as harassment and political interference.

The FCT Police Command denied sealing off the secretariat, calling reports misleading.

The crisis centers on leadership disputes, especially over the National Secretary position, with ongoing court cases and factional disagreements.

The situation highlights the deepening internal crisis within the PDP and raises concerns about security forces’ involvement in political party affairs.

This developing story will continue to unfold as the PDP seeks to resolve its internal conflicts under the watchful eyes of the Nigerian public and political stakeholders.