BY FOLORUNSO LATEEF
One of the biggest frustrations of electricity consumers in Nigeria is the lack of prepaid meters. Millions of households are still subjected to estimated billing, often paying for light they never used—or for total darkness. This has become one of the greatest injustices in our power sector.
The truth is simple: distribution companies benefit from estimated billing. Without meters, they can issue inflated bills and force consumers to pay. With prepaid meters, however, the principle is clear: no light, no payment. That is why DisCos are dragging their feet.
Government has introduced several metering programmes, yet deadlines are missed and promises remain unfulfilled. Consumers are left at the mercy of a system that rewards inefficiency and punishes honesty.
Nigerians are not unwilling to pay for electricity. All we demand is fairness. Prepaid metering protects both the customer and the company. It encourages prompt payment, reduces disputes, curbs theft, and helps build trust. It is also the first step toward achieving steady power supply.
It is time for government to make prepaid meters compulsory and hold DisCos accountable. Nigerians should not be forced to pay for darkness.
Yours faithfully,
Folorunso Lateef FCA
Port Harcourt
Folorunso Lateef is a PhD research student from University of Port Harcourt