The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has commended the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission, LASERC, for introducing consumer-focused reforms aimed at curbing estimated billing in the Lagos electricity market.
A statement by FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, on Tuesday, particularly praised LASERC’s position in the 2025 Lagos Electricity Market Report, which supports the enforcement of existing legal provisions on electricity supply without meters, alongside the phased rollout of universal smart metering across Lagos State.
The Commission noted that LASERC is currently implementing a broad reform programme designed to strengthen consumer protection and improve electricity market performance in the state.
It noted that the measures include the phased enforcement of compulsory metering beginning in 2026, feeder-by-feeder deployment of universal smart meters, tighter regulatory oversight of distribution companies, improved complaint resolution mechanisms, and sanctions against non-compliant operators.
Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, described the initiative as a major step towards enhancing billing transparency and restoring consumer confidence in the power sector.
“Estimated billing remains one of the leading sources of consumer complaints within Nigeria’s power sector. Measures that accelerate metering and improve billing transparency are critical to consumer protection and overall market accountability,” Bello said.
He stressed that consumers must be protected from unfair or unverifiable billing practices, especially 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 added.
Bello also urged other state electricity regulators and subnational governments to adopt similar consumer-oriented reforms to fast-track metering, strengthen service oversight, and minimise disputes linked to estimated billing.
“Lagos has taken an important step towards improving consumer protection and accountability within the electricity sector.
“Other states implementing electricity market reforms should also prioritise transparent metering frameworks, effective complaint resolution systems, and clear service standards that strengthen consumer confidence and support better service delivery across the sector,” he stated.
He further called on electricity distribution companies and other market participants to fully cooperate with metering initiatives, consumer protection obligations, and service quality improvement measures introduced by relevant regulatory authorities.
The FCCPC also highlighted findings contained in the LASERC report relating to service delivery gaps, complaint resolution performance, and electricity supply challenges affecting Lagos State.
According to the Commission, the findings underscore the need for stronger consumer safeguards, sustained infrastructure investment, and continuous improvements in service delivery.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote fair market practices, transparency, accountability, and improved service standards across Nigeria’s electricity sector through sustained engagement with regulators and other stakeholders.
