FG to install one million electricity meters by December, says minister

The federal government says it would install at least one million meters for electricity consumers through its mass metering programme by December 2020.

Sale Mamman, minister of power, disclosed this during a stakeholder meeting in Jalingo, Taraba state, where he addressed youth on the need to foster peace and harmony.

Mamman said President Muhammadu Buhari has directed a mass metering programme for the power sector which has already started.

“From the briefings I have received so far, the youth are taking up opportunities in this aspect as well as in renewable energy,” he said.

“This is another way the government will be empowering young Nigerians as the local assembly, installation and the maintenance of these meters are largely handled by our industrious youth.

“The programme has begun with a target for one million meter installation at least by December. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is supporting local firms and meter asset providers on the financing and I urge our youth to take advantage of this.”

Mamman also said the federal government is creating job opportunities for youth in the power sector through key programmes such as the five million solar home system (SHS) initiative.

He said the five million solar power projects will be implemented through the economic sustainability plan (ESP).

“Already plans are ongoing to kick start this and it is being designed to ensure that majority of the firms and the installers are Nigerian youth.

“This is also part of the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s focus on lifting 100 million people out of poverty within 10 years.

“I am directly in touch with the implementing agencies which are the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) on this, I can assure you.”

Mamman further said the federal government is tailoring more programmes for the youth through the Siemens presidential power initiative and in building capacity on renewable energy.

“Their is assurance of Mr President that Nigerians will be beneficiaries of the Siemens project which will turn around the power supply situation of Nigeria. When this happens, industries will be revived, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) driven by youth will thrive more.”