LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – In a bid to put an end to the era of estimated billing and poor electricity in Nigerian Army barracks nationwide, the Federal government has disbursed a N40 billion prepaid metering program.
The program was officially flagged off by Adebayo Adelabu during a ceremony over the weekend.
Adelabu highlighted that the metering exercise will be conducted in phases, with the Ikeja cantonment serving as the inaugural phase.
He disclosed that the initial phase will span six weeks before transitioning to the subsequent phase.
Addressing the significance of the initiative, Adelabu emphasized that the mass metering project aims to accurately measure monthly consumption, thereby facilitating proper billing and enhancing collections.
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He underscored that eliminating estimated billing is a key objective of the government’s renewed hope agenda.
Furthermore, Adelabu stressed the deployment of tamper-proof smart meters designed to combat energy theft.
He also outlined plans to integrate off-grid power sources, particularly solar energy, into military barracks situated in remote areas lacking grid access.
The minister elaborated on the functionality of the installed meters, highlighting their interconnectivity with both the grid and off-grid solar power supply.
Additionally, he noted the provision of a dedicated app for customers to monitor their consumption and the flexibility to switch between grid and solar power.
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Expanding on the scope of the project, CEO of De Haryor Global Ashade Olatunbosun, Service, revealed that the second phase will commence concurrently in Abuja and Enugu.
He affirmed that military formations across the 11 Distribution Companies (DISCOs) will benefit from the program.
Maj. General A.M Adetuyi commended the government’s initiative, emphasizing its timeliness in addressing the longstanding challenge of erratic power supply at brigade headquarters.
He recounted the struggles faced due to insufficient electricity and the burden of estimated billing, expressing gratitude for the transformative impact of the metering project.
With plans to extend the metering initiative to all military formations nationwide, the government aims to ensure uninterrupted power supply to barracks, fulfilling its commitment to prioritize electricity provision to the armed forces.