Yemisi Izuora/Ijeoma Agudosi
Meter manufacturers under the aegis of Electricity Meter Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (EMMAN) has sought the liberalisation of the meter market to allow them sell directly to individuals, corporate organisation and Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) approves vendors.
Mr Muyideen Ibrahim, Executive Secretary, EMMAN who made the call in Lagos said liberalisation of the market is the only way to ensure effective distribution of meters to consumers.
He said that this will no doubt create market for our EMMAN members and also increased production.
According to him, Government should liberalise meter market so that individual can also buy meters from approved NERC vendors and installers.
If the market is liberalised more electricity customers will be metered and it will go a long way in addressing crazy bills and estimated billing system.
Ibrahim said that some of the distribution companies are not willing to give meters to customers which explains why government should allow meter manufacturers to sell meters directly to the consumers
He also asked government to create enabling environment for manufacturers to grow which will also create employment for more Nigerians.
Ibrahim urged government to create and make available of five per cent special intervention fund for local electricity meter manufacturers so that locally produced meters can be sold to distribution companies at very competitive price.
He said that EMMAN will ensure massive employment,make contribution to the gross domestic products, attract foreign direct investment, and develop technology that is proudly Nigerian.