Civil Groups Threaten Nationwide Protests Over Electricity Meter Charges
Oluwafunbi Bello 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Civil society organisations threaten mass protests against electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) over allegations of illegal meter charges, despite government directives that meters be distributed free of cost.
A coalition of 130 advocacy groups under the Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC) issued the warning on Tuesday, accusing DISCOs of ignoring a directive by Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu that World Bank-funded meters must reach consumers without payment.
In a statement signed by NHRC officials Fred Ojinika and Tunde Olaoye, the coalition claims consumers are charged between ₦200,000 and ₦350,000 per meter.
“We are ready to mobilise Nigerians against DISCOs by occupying their offices through mass action,” the statement says.
The group alleges that some companies deliberately damage installed meters or trigger power surges to push consumers back onto estimated billing systems.
Ikeja Electric is singled out, though the coalition says the practice is widespread across the sector.
NHRC says complaints gathered nationwide show a consistent pattern of hidden fees, delayed installations and billing manipulation.
The coalition describes Adelabu’s directive as “the best new year gift to electricity consumers” and frames its support as a defence of economic justice.
It also claims high electricity costs and billing uncertainty are driving households away from grid power toward solar panels, lanterns and candles.
DISCOs have yet to publicly respond to the allegations.
About the Author
Hussaini Ibrahim 
Mirian Gom 
Chukwu Obinna 