The Nigerian Army has raised concerns about the inadequate power supply at the Ikeja Military Cantonment in Lagos, prompting the Federal Government to allocate N12.7 billion for a mass metering project across all Army formations. The initiative aims to address the longstanding issue of irregular electricity supply and ensure accurate billing through the installation of smart meters.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, underscored the importance of the mass metering project during the flag-off ceremony held at the headquarters of the 9th Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Ikeja Military Cantonment. In a statement by his media aide, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu revealed that N12.7 billion has been released for the current phase of the project out of a total budget of N40 billion.
The minister emphasized that the mass metering initiative is a crucial step towards improving electricity supply to Army formations nationwide. He highlighted the need for accurate metering to enable appropriate billing and facilitate ease of collections, ultimately aiming to eliminate estimated billing practices.
Adelabu outlined the objectives of the project, stating that its primary goal is to eradicate estimated billing and ensure reliable electricity supply to Army barracks. He emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s agenda includes prioritizing electricity supply to the armed forces as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The smart meters being installed as part of the project are tamper-proof and designed to prevent energy theft, thereby promoting accountability and transparency in electricity consumption. Adelabu also highlighted the meter’s capability for interconnectivity between grid and off-grid solar power supply, providing flexibility in energy sourcing.
In addition to addressing power supply challenges, the project aims to leverage off-grid power sources such as solar energy to provide electricity to military barracks located in remote areas without grid access. Adelabu emphasized the importance of diversifying energy sources to ensure uninterrupted power supply, especially in regions with limited grid connectivity.
Ashade Olatunbosun, the Chief Executive Officer of De Haryor Global Services overseeing the metering project, provided insights into the project’s implementation. He announced that the second phase of the project would commence simultaneously in Abuja and Enugu, with military formations across 11 Distribution Companies (DisCos) set to benefit.
Major General A.M Adetuyi, Commander of the 9th Brigade, expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s metering initiative, citing the brigade headquarters’ longstanding challenges with epileptic power supply. He noted that the installation of smart meters would address issues of irregular electricity supply and eliminate estimated billing practices, providing much-needed relief to military personnel.
The mass metering project underscores the government’s commitment to improving electricity supply and promoting sustainable energy solutions across military formations nationwide. With the deployment of smart meters and integration of off-grid solar power sources, the project aims to enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure reliable electricity access for Nigeria’s armed forces.
