The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has endorsed recent reforms by the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) aimed at tackling estimated electricity billing and improving consumer protection within the power sector.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Commission praised LASERC for introducing what it described as consumer-focused enforcement measures designed to strengthen transparency, accountability, and service delivery in Lagos’ electricity market.
According to the FCCPC, the reforms include the phased enforcement of compulsory electricity metering, stricter monitoring of distribution companies, improved complaint resolution systems, and sanctions against operators violating consumer protection standards.
The Commission also welcomed LASERC’s support for legal provisions against electricity supply without meters, alongside plans for the gradual rollout of universal smart metering across Lagos State.
FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, described the initiative as an important step toward restoring public confidence in electricity billing practices.
“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 important to consumer protection and overall market accountability,” Bello stated.
He further stressed that consumers should be protected from unfair and unverifiable billing practices, particularly where electricity consumption cannot be accurately measured.
The FCCPC noted that effective metering would promote fairness within the electricity market, reduce billing disputes, and strengthen trust between consumers and electricity distribution companies.
The Commission also called on other states implementing electricity market reforms to adopt similar consumer-oriented measures, including transparent metering systems, efficient complaint resolution mechanisms, and improved service standards.
According to the FCCPC, findings contained in LASERC’s recent electricity market report highlighted persistent challenges relating to supply gaps, complaint resolution performance, and electricity service quality within Lagos State. The Commission said these findings underscore the need for stronger consumer safeguards, infrastructure investment, and sustained regulatory oversight.
Nigeria’s electricity sector has long faced criticism over estimated billing, poor metering coverage, and erratic power supply, with many consumers accusing distribution companies of imposing arbitrary charges despite inconsistent electricity delivery.
The FCCPC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote fairness, transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery across Nigeria’s electricity sector.