Oredola Adeola
The Association of Meter Manufacturers of Nigeria, AMMON, has issued a pressing plea to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing the urgent need for decisive action to address the foreign exchange crisis, inflation, and instability in the metering industry, highlighting the imminent risk of a severe shortage of meters for installation within the next two weeks.
The body representing the interests of electricity meter manufacturers in Nigeria, made this known in a statement obtained by the AdvisorsReports on Friday.
The Association challenged the government to consider the liberalization of meter prices in order to enable manufacturers adapt to market dynamics and maintain a steady supply of meters, adding that cost-effective meter specifications are also essential.
AMMON further commended Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, for the recent establishment of the Presidential Committee on Mass Metering, describing it as a bold step towards addressing the pressing challenges in the metering sector.
AMMON, however, in a statement emphasising the readiness of its members to collaborate with the Presidential Committee, stated that the foreign exchange fluctuations have impacted negatively on the operations in the sector.
It said, “AMMON has expressed her concern over the challenges posed by foreign exchange fluctuations as it impacts the continuous supply of electricity meters to the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, NESI.
“As the demand for meters continues to grow, the association emphasizes the urgent need for regulatory measures to address the issue of a fixed meter price when all input costs are affected by increasing inflation and foreign exchange movements. This attention is urgently required to ensure the seamless provision of meters across the nation.
“This strategic move would not only facilitate the sustainability of the meter manufacturing industry but also ensure that end-users have access to reliable and affordable electricity meters,” AMMON said.
AMMON therefore called on regulatory authorities to consider the liberalization of meter prices, allowing manufacturers to adapt to market dynamics and maintain a steady supply of meters.
The association said, “If urgent action is not taken and stakeholders to prioritize and expedite measures to address the impending shortage, which is occasioned by a three month, and growing, supply chain gap by our estimates.
“If this action is taken, it will ensure the continued and uninterrupted supply of meters to meet the nation’s growing demand for reliable electricity services barring the short gap already realized.
“AMMON advocates for collaboration between regulatory bodies and the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, NEMSA, to develop cost-effective meter specifications tailored to NESI requirements.
“By working closely with NEMSA, the association believes that it can contribute to the development of standards that promote affordability without compromising quality and reliability.
“AMMON remains committed to supporting the nation’s power sector and believes that these proposed measures will contribute to a more robust and resilient electricity metering ecosystem,” It added.
AMMON therefore restated its commitment to further engaging with relevant stakeholders to implement these recommendations and address the challenges currently faced by the meter manufacturing industry in Nigeria.
