FCCPC Backs Lagos Electricity Reforms, Pushes For Transparent Metering

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has commended the ongoing electricity sector reforms introduced by the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC), particularly its plans to strengthen metering and improve consumer protection across Lagos State.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the FCCPC Director of Public Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission praised LASERC’s position in the 2025 Lagos Electricity Market Report, which supports stricter enforcement of laws guiding electricity supply without meters and the gradual rollout of universal smart metering across the state.

LASERC is currently implementing a wide-ranging reform programme aimed at improving efficiency and accountability in the electricity market. The reforms include the phased enforcement of compulsory metering from 2026, feeder-by-feeder deployment of smart meters, stronger oversight of electricity distribution companies, enhanced complaint resolution mechanisms, and sanctions for operators that fail to comply with regulations.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, described the initiative as a major step toward promoting transparency in electricity billing and restoring consumer confidence in the power sector.

According to Bello, estimated billing remains one of the biggest sources of complaints among electricity consumers in Nigeria, making accelerated metering reforms necessary to ensure fairness and accountability.

“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,” he stated.

He emphasized that consumers must be protected from unfair and unverifiable billing practices, especially in cases where actual electricity usage 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,” Bello added.

The FCCPC boss also encouraged other state electricity regulators and subnational governments to adopt similar consumer-focused reforms that prioritize transparent metering systems, stronger regulatory oversight, and efficient complaint resolution processes.

He noted that Lagos State had taken a significant step toward improving accountability and consumer protection within the electricity sector, urging other states implementing power sector reforms to follow the same path.

The Commission further called on electricity distribution companies and other operators in the sector to fully comply with metering initiatives, consumer protection rules, and service improvement measures introduced by regulators.

The FCCPC also cited findings from the LASERC report highlighting service delivery gaps, electricity supply challenges, and weaknesses in complaint resolution processes within Lagos State. According to the Commission, the report underscores the need for stronger consumer protection measures, continuous infrastructure investment, and sustained improvements in service delivery across the power sector.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting reforms that promote transparency, accountability, fair market practices, and improved service standards within Nigeria’s electricity industry.