Adelabu Faults IBEDC Over Poor Meter Distribution

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has criticised the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) for what he described as poor performance in the distribution of electricity meters to customers within its coverage area.
Adelabu expressed dissatisfaction that out of the 59,000 meters allocated to the company under the Federal Government’s metering initiative, only 16,300 had been distributed so far. He described the figure as unacceptable, especially in view of the urgent need to bridge the metering gap and reduce estimated billing across the country.
The minister made his position known during a recent stakeholders’ meeting, where he stressed that electricity distribution companies must demonstrate greater commitment to improving service delivery and customer satisfaction.
According to Adelabu, the slow pace of meter rollout undermines ongoing reforms in the power sector aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability and efficiency in electricity billing. He reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to ensure that all distribution companies comply with performance benchmarks tied to regulatory approvals and financial support.
He warned that companies failing to meet agreed targets could face sanctions, noting that the government would not tolerate actions that frustrate efforts to provide reliable and affordable electricity to Nigerians.
Adelabu also urged IBEDC to accelerate its metering programme, clear backlogs and ensure that customers are no longer subjected to arbitrary estimated billing.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the power sector through strict oversight, improved infrastructure and enhanced collaboration with stakeholders.