OpeOluwani Akintayo
Lagos — Findings have shown that the electricity distribution companies, DisCos, have refused to allow some of the Meter Access Providers, MAP companies registered by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, to operate, except those favoured by them (DisCos).
In a petition to the Minister Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, dated January 25th, written by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Akomed Global Link Ltd, Dr. Akojenu Amos, the DisCos were accused of preferring a set of MAP companies over the others, thereby making it impossible for the others to operate.
According to the petition, Akomed Global Link Ltd was one of the companies registered in 2018 to participate in the MAP provision for Nigerians who want prepaid electricity meters.
However, according to the petition, the company, up to date, has not been “given any orders or jobs to date”.
“Prior to the Ministry and NERC opening of this window, as far back as 2013, we had certificates of importers, vendors, manufacturers, and installers of prepaid electricity meters. Our prepaid meters were tested and approved by PHCN Meter Test station at Oshodi in Lagos,” the petition partly read.
Dr. Amos said after obtaining the MAP certificate, evidence of registration with some DiscCos, tax clearance certificate, and other NERC certificates, his company also applied as contractors to the DisCos and was registered but was “not given” any orders.
“Obviously, the DisCos were working ‘hand in glove’ with a CARTEL. These were their regular contractor and will not allow any other contractors to come in.”
SweetcrudeReportlearnednt that the DisCos, after NERC had shortlisted the MAP companies, are now on their own, screening MAP NERC registered contractors, shortlisting four or two each, and even, those shortlisted were their regular contractors, not giving room for new ones to come in.
NERC’s updated MAP list as at last month had grown from 115 last November to 121.
Checks by SweetcrudeReports revealed that Akomed Global Link Ltd’s name was the number seventh on NERC’s MAP list.
“Without mincing words, this is a ploy to frustrate Federal Government’s efforts to provide prepaid electricity meters to millions of consumers and thereby, stopping corruption in meter distribution and eventually, stop estimated billing and the fraud the goes with it.”
“We MAP members have prepaid meters and our teaming customers are eager to buy meters from us. But the Discos WILL NOT code and activate the meters. This is contrary to the government’s directives,” the petition read.
He prayed the Ministry of Power and NERC to open window for meter coding and activation for all the 11 DisCos in PHCN Meter Test Station at Oshodi, Lagos.
“If this is done, the MAP contractors can take their meter details to the meter Test Station for coding and activation for any of the DisCo Area even if the MAP contractors have to pay a fee for such a window to operate efficiently without resorting to bribery,” Dr. Amos told this newspaper in an interview
“We believe this is the quickest way to get the MAP working and bring relief to millions of consumers as well as get our stock of meters to anxious consumers across Nigeria,” he said.
He hinted that there are numerous other NERC MAP registered companies also affected in the boycott.