By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has thrown its weight behind the Lagos State Government’s ongoing electricity sector reforms aimed at ending estimated billing and strengthening consumer protection across the state.
According to an official signed statement by Director, Corporate Affairs of the FCCPC, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission commended the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) for introducing consumer-focused enforcement measures contained in the 2025 Lagos Electricity Market Report.
The FCCPC specifically welcomed LASERC’s decision to enforce existing legal provisions relating to electricity supply without meters, alongside plans for the phased deployment of universal smart metering across Lagos State beginning from 2026.
The statement noted that LASERC’s broader reform programme is designed to improve electricity market performance, enhance transparency, and strengthen accountability among electricity distribution operators within the state.
The reforms include compulsory metering enforcement on a feeder-by-feeder basis, deployment of universal smart meters, stricter regulatory oversight of distribution companies, improved complaint resolution mechanisms, and sanctions against operators found to be in breach of service obligations.
Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, described the initiative as a major step toward restoring consumer confidence and improving transparency in electricity billing practices.
“Estimated billing remains one of the leading sources of consumer complaints within Nigeria’s power sector. Measures that accelerate metering and improve billing transparency are important to consumer protection and overall market accountability,” Bello stated.
He stressed that consumers must be protected from unfair and unverifiable billing practices, particularly in situations where actual electricity consumption cannot be accurately measured.
“Effective metering promotes fairness within the electricity market. It supports accurate billing, reduces disputes, improves accountability, and gives consumers greater confidence in the system,” he added.
Bello further urged other state electricity regulators and subnational governments across the country to adopt similar reforms targeted at accelerating metering, strengthening service oversight, and reducing disputes arising from estimated billing practices.
“Lagos has taken an important step towards improving consumer protection and accountability within the electricity sector. Other states implementing electricity market reforms should also prioritise transparent metering frameworks, effective complaint resolution systems, and clear service standards that strengthen consumer confidence and support better service delivery across the sector,” he said.
The FCCPC also called on electricity distribution companies and other operators within the power sector to fully cooperate with regulatory authorities in implementing metering programmes, improving service delivery standards, and complying with consumer protection obligations.
The Commission further referenced findings contained in the LASERC report, which highlighted persistent service delivery gaps, complaint resolution challenges, and electricity supply issues affecting residents and businesses in Lagos State.
According to the FCCPC, the findings underscore the need for stronger consumer safeguards, sustained infrastructure investments, and continuous improvements in service delivery within Nigeria’s electricity sector.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies and initiatives that promote fairness, transparency, accountability, and improved consumer experience across the nation’s electricity market through sustained collaboration with regulators and relevant stakeholders.
