F.G. to disburse $12.7 billion for smart metres in barracks
The Federal Government has allocated a total of N40 billion for the countrywide mass metering initiative, with N12.7 billion specifically designated for the implementation of the scheme in army units.
“The mass metering in army formations nationwide will enable us to know what is being consumed on a monthly basis in order to ensure appropriate billings and ease collections. The overall intention is to eliminate it and make estimated billing a thing of the past, he said.
Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu said that the metering process at the headquarters of the 9th Brigade of the Nigerian Army at the Ikeja Military Cantonment will be carried out in stages, with the Ikeja cantonment being the first step.
Maj.-Gen. A. M. Adetuyi, who is in charge of overseeing the metering project, and Ashade Olatunbosun, the CEO of De Haryor Global Services, welcomed the minister.
The minister’s Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Mr. Bolaji Tunji, said in Abuja yesterday that the present metering process will continue for a duration of six weeks before the commencement of the second phase.
Adelabu stated that the funds that were disbursed are a portion of the N40 billion allocated for the ongoing large-scale metering project.The ongoing metering is a component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, according to the minister, with the goal of ensuring reliable electricity delivery to army installations across the nation.
“This is one of the President’s goals, as outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda, to prioritise electricity supply to the Armed Forces and ensure they do not experience any difficulties, particularly in accessing public utilities,” he stated.
According to his statement, the smart metres being installed are designed to be resistant to tampering and are intended to eradicate the act of stealing electricity.
“It is not possible to circumvent the metre, which is accompanied by an application that allows customers to access their monthly consumption statement,” he stated.
Adelabu further clarified that the metres facilitate the connection between the electricity grid and the independent solar power source.
The minister stated that one aspect of the present administration’s energy plan for the country is to construct off-grid power sources, such as solar energy, for military barracks located in rural places that lack access to a grid supply.
By Nnaemeka Odenigbo
