Business
FCCPC supports Lagos smart metering rollout, crackdown on estimated billing
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has backed recent moves by the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) to curb estimated electricity billing and strengthen consumer protection within the state’s power sector.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the FCCPC commended LASERC’s position in the 2025 Lagos Electricity Market Report supporting stricter enforcement against electricity supply without meters and the phased rollout of universal smart metering across Lagos State.
The Lagos electricity regulator is currently pursuing reforms aimed at improving billing transparency, service delivery and consumer protection in the state’s electricity market.
The measures include compulsory metering to be enforced in phases beginning from 2026, feeder-by-feeder deployment of smart meters, tighter oversight of electricity distribution companies, improved complaint resolution mechanisms and sanctions against non-compliant operators.
FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, described the reforms as a significant step towards addressing one of the most persistent complaints among electricity consumers in Nigeria.
“Estimated billing remains one of the leading sources of consumer complaints within Nigeria’s power sector,” Mr Bello said.
He added that, “Measures that accelerate metering and improve billing transparency are important to consumer protection and overall market accountability.”
Estimated billing, where consumers are charged based on projected electricity usage rather than actual consumption recorded through prepaid or smart meters — has long generated disputes between electricity distribution companies and consumers across Nigeria.
Many households and businesses have repeatedly accused distribution companies of arbitrary billing, excessive charges and lack of accountability, especially in areas with poor electricity supply.
Mr Bello said consumers should not be subjected to unfair or unverifiable billing practices, particularly where electricity consumption 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,” he said.
The FCCPC also urged other state electricity regulators and subnational governments implementing electricity market reforms to adopt similar consumer-focused measures.
READ ALSO: Lagos Blue Line records 3.5 million passengers in one year as daily ridership hits 15,000
According to the commission, reforms around transparent metering systems, improved complaint resolution and stronger service standards are critical to rebuilding consumer trust and improving electricity service delivery nationwide.
The agency further called on electricity distribution companies and other operators within the power sector to cooperate fully with ongoing metering initiatives and service quality reforms introduced by regulators.
The FCCPC noted that findings contained in the LASERC report also highlighted persistent service delivery gaps, consumer complaint challenges and electricity supply issues affecting Lagos residents.
It said the findings underscored the need for stronger consumer safeguards, sustained infrastructure investment and improved operational accountability within the electricity sector.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability and consumer protection across Nigeria’s electricity market through continued engagement with regulators and other stakeholders.
BY NKECHI NAECHE -ESEZOBOR—The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has officially inaugurated a new committee dedicated to fast-tracking the countrywide migration to Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6). The establishment of this specialized board, which took place during an industry event in Ikeja, Lagos, marks a decisive regulatory effort to modernize the nation’s digital infrastructure and secure its electronic future.
A prominent telecom executive, Olusola Teniola of ipNX, has been appointed to the newly formed panel. He joins a distinguished group of private sector pioneers and public sector representatives, including Funke Opeke, panel chairman Muhammed Rudman, vice chairman Chris Uwaje, Mary Uduma, Gbenga Adebayo, Lanre Ajayi, and Latif Ladid. Together, this collaborative body will work alongside key government institutions to oversee the technological shift.
Reflecting on the initiative, Teniola emphasized that upgrading the nation’s internet framework is an immediate necessity rather than a long-term goal. He noted that with skyrocketing data usage and the rapid proliferation of next-generation technologies like 5G, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT), Nigeria must build a scalable, secure, and globally competitive foundation to support its expanding digital economy.
The newly formed committee is charged with a comprehensive mandate, which includes drafting a national deployment blueprint, monitoring adoption metrics, and providing regular progress updates. Additionally, the team will focus on overcoming existing structural bottlenecks, enhancing local technical capacity, and recommending policy incentives to encourage universal participation.
Achieving widespread implementation will require deep alignment across network operators, internet service providers, corporate enterprises, academia, and state authorities. Industry leaders stress that this transition is a collective responsibility, requiring deliberate investment in public awareness and skill development to ensure Nigeria remains a frontrunner in the global digital landscape.
The post Nigeria Launches New Committee to Accelerate IPv6 Adoption,Reappoints Rudman to Lead Push appeared first on Business Today NG.
The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has partnered with Abia State Government to safeguard economic activities, mitigate risks, and enhance investors’ confidence.
The Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of NAICOM, Olusegun Omosehin, said this when he led a delegation to Governor Alex Otti of Abia in Umuahia on Monday.
Mr Omosehin, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, underscored that a robust insurance system was fundamental to protecting business investments and securing livelihoods across critical sectors of the Abia economy.
Highlighting recent reforms, the commissioner assured Mr Otti and his Executive Council that the newly established Insurance Policyholders’ Protection Fund (IPPF) would reinforce industry stability.
Mr Omosehin explained that the Fund, instituted by NAICOM under the provisions of NIIRA2025, was designed to safeguard policyholders’ interests.
He also assured that the Fund would ensure prompt and equitable settlement of valid claims, thereby strengthening consumer trust and market confidence.
He quoted Mr Otti as commending NAICOM’s leadership for the progress achieved in the insurance sector.
Mr Otti pledged his administration’s support in fostering a sustainable partnership with the insurance industry to enhance risk management.
ALSO READ: Why Abia can be reference point for Nigeria’s governance lessons – Odinkalu
The NAICOM delegation included the Deputy Commissioner (Finance & Administration), Ekerete Gam-Ikon, alongside presidents and senior executives from the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers.
Others in the delegation were representatives of Nigerian Insurers Association, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria and the Institute of Loss Adjusters of Nigeria.
(NAN)
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