The House of Representatives has launched a probe into the disbursement and use of the ₦200 billion loan issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) under the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP). Rep. Uchenna Okonkwo (LP–Anambra), chairman of the committee, announced that a 19-member subcommittee was formed to carry out the investigation.
The NMMP, introduced in 2020, aimed to provide free meters to Nigerian electricity consumers, reduce billing disputes, close the metering gap, and improve electricity distribution monitoring. The programme was designed in three phases, beginning with a ₦59.28 billion pilot phase to install one million meters, which was to be repaid at a 9% interest rate after a two-year moratorium. However, the panel found discrepancies: only ₦55.4 billion was disbursed and only 962,832 meters were reportedly installed.
The committee noted that there is little clarity on repayments by DISCOs and that phases 1 and 2 meant to install 1.5 million and 4 million meters, funded by Deposit Money Banks and the World Bank respectively have yet to be implemented. The investigation seeks to ensure transparency, financial accountability, and proper management of public funds, as outlined under Sections 88(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution.
