The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has directed the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to expedite the distribution of free prepaid meters to customers within its franchise area. Adelabu gave the directive while addressing the management of IBEDC and other critical stakeholders during a working visit to the company’s headquarters in Ibadan on Saturday.
The minister said the engagement underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining close, solution-oriented relationships with operators in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), with the aim of improving service delivery and strengthening the sector. “Our objective is to hear directly from IBEDC, understand their operational realities, identify their pain points, and explore how the government can better support their ambition as a utility responsible for powering homes, businesses, and industries,” Adelabu said.
He emphasised that accelerating the rollout of prepaid meters would help address longstanding concerns over estimated billing, enhance transparency in electricity consumption, and boost customer confidence in the distribution system. According to him, ensuring wider access to prepaid meters remains a key component of ongoing reforms in the power sector, as it promotes accountability for both service providers and consumers.
Adelabu noted that the government is determined to create an enabling environment for distribution companies to operate efficiently while also holding them accountable for improved performance and customer satisfaction. Stakeholders at the meeting reportedly discussed operational challenges, infrastructure gaps, and strategies to enhance electricity distribution across IBEDC’s coverage areas, which span several states in the South-West.
The minister reiterated that collaboration between the government and industry players would be crucial to achieving sustainable improvements in power supply nationwide.
