A legal challenge has halted the import of 1.55 million smart meters in Nigeria, disrupting a key component of the country's power sector modernization efforts.
The meters were part of a procurement process backed by a $500 million loan from the World Bank, aimed at improving billing efficiency and reducing revenue losses for distribution companies.
The injunction, reported by Nairametrics, blocks the immediate entry of the devices, creating uncertainty around the timeline for the metering rollout.
The injunction, reported by Nairametrics, blocks the immediate entry of the devices, creating uncertainty around the timeline for the metering rollout.
The World Bank facility is designed to support the Nigerian government's broader energy sector reforms, with smart metering seen as critical to curbing technical and commercial losses in the power grid.
This development adds to the complexities facing Nigeria's power sector, which has struggled with infrastructure deficits and financial viability.
The delay could impact the pace at which distribution companies can transition to prepaid metering systems, a key goal of the reform agenda.