Aba Power, Nigeria’s newest electricity distribution company, is spearheading a bold initiative to assemble smart electricity meters in Aba, Abia State, through a partnership with four local and international firms. The effort is set to create up to 35,000 jobs, conserve foreign exchange, and fast-track Nigeria’s metering progress.
This development was disclosed by Mrs. Agatha Nnaji, Group Managing Director of Geometric Power, during a visit by the Abia State House of Assembly Committee on Power and Public Utilities to the company’s headquarters in the Osisioma Industrial Layout.
“By assembling the meters locally, we are creating thousands of jobs, conserving foreign reserves, and facilitating technology transfer,” said Mrs. Nnaji, presenting a 3D model of the project.
Four-Firm Consortium to Deliver Over 160,000 Smart Meters
The smart meter assembly operation will be carried out by:
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Kayz Consortium (Nigeria), led by Prince Kalu
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Eve Metering Company (China/Nigeria), led by Soji Olagunji
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Chint Metering (China)
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DCESN Metering (China)
Kayz is scheduled to commence production this June, followed by Eve, which has committed to deliver 100,000 smart meters, while the other three firms will produce 20,000 each.
A Metering Goal of 20,000 Units Monthly
According to Engineer Alfred Atenega, who heads the metering team at Aba Power, the company’s target is to roll out 20,000 prepaid meters per month to customers across the Aba Ring-fenced Area, which spans nine of Abia State’s 17 local government areas.
“Our mission is to ensure that every customer has access to a smart meter within a year,” said Atenega.
Although it is unclear whether these firms will also supply other electricity distribution companies in Nigeria, a source familiar with the project hinted that the focus will initially be on Aba Power, with potential expansion to other DisCos in the future.
Metering Project Backed by Public and Political Support
The Chairman of the Abia Assembly’s Power Committee, Hon. Aaron Uzodike, praised the initiative and urged Aba Power to extend its services to long-neglected rural communities. In response, Aba Power’s Managing Director, Ugo Opiegbe, assured that the ongoing rehabilitation of failed and vandalized infrastructure will restore power to underserved areas.
“For the first time in decades, forgotten communities are being brought back onto the grid,” he said.
Transparent Billing and Customer Trust
Engr. Blessing Ogbe, Aba Power’s Chief Operating Officer, revealed that an installment-based payment plan has already been introduced to assist customers in arrears. The smart meters have reinstalled public trust, he noted, as more residents are reactivating their accounts.
Legislator Hon. Stephen Ucheonye Akachukwu added that the community feedback has been “overwhelmingly positive.”
