The House of Representatives has announced a comprehensive investigation into the disbursement and utilisation of the N200 billion loan provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP). This programme was initially designed to provide free electricity meters to Nigerian consumers through the Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs), aiming to reduce estimated billing and improve transparency in the electricity sector.
The investigation was confirmed by the Chairman of the Special Committee, Rep. Uchenna Okonkwo (LP-Anambra), in a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja. According to Okonkwo, a 19-member subcommittee has been inaugurated with a mandate to scrutinise how the funds were allocated and managed since the programme’s launch in 2020. The committee will also assess the performance of the DISCOs in implementing the initiative.
The NMMP was rolled out by the CBN in collaboration with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and other key players in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). The main goal was to bridge the metering gap, eliminate arbitrary billing, and enhance energy accountability across the nation. It was also intended to ease the tension between electricity consumers and distribution companies by promoting transparency and reducing billing disputes.
Okonkwo stated that the programme was supposed to unfold in three key phases. During the pilot phase (Phase 0), CBN released N59.28 billion for the procurement and installation of one million meters. However, findings from the preliminary investigation suggest that only N55.4 billion was actually disbursed, and only 962,832 meters were installed—falling short of the one million target. This discrepancy raises questions about the financial management and transparency of the project.
More concerning is the silence around the repayment status of the loan. According to Okonkwo, although the DISCOs received N55.4 billion, it remains unclear how much of this amount has been repaid to the CBN, particularly when taking into account the agreed interest rate of 9% after a two-year moratorium. This lack of clarity prompted lawmakers to demand a full account of the financial operations under the programme.
Beyond Phase 0, there is also growing uncertainty surrounding Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the NMMP. Phase 1 was supposed to be funded by the CBN and Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) for the installation of 1.5 million meters, while Phase 2 was to be financed by the World Bank for the distribution of 4 million meters. To date, little to no progress has been reported on these subsequent phases, leaving many Nigerians still without access to meters.
Given the critical implications of this issue on the economy and public trust, the House of Representatives has invoked its constitutional powers under Sections 88(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution to launch a full-scale investigation. The newly inaugurated committee is tasked with getting to the bottom of how the N200 billion loan was disbursed and utilised, and to recommend steps for ensuring accountability.
Members of the investigative committee include Reps Obed Shehu, Ali Shettima, Abel Fuah, Salisu Koko, Ahmed Munir, Sani Umar Bala, Gbefwi Jonathan, Abdulmaleek Danga, Chinedu Obika, Okunlola Lanre, Abass Adekunle, Akinosi Akanni, Obuzor Victor, Peter Akpanke, Ngozi Lawrence, Ogah Amobi Godwin, and Ikeagwuonu Onyinye, among others.
As Nigerians continue to battle unreliable electricity supply and arbitrary billing, this investigation represents a critical step toward transparency and better service delivery in the power sector. Citizens now await the findings of the committee, hoping for a turnaround in the mismanagement that has plagued this vital initiative.
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