FCCPC commends LASERC reforms to curb estimated billing in Lagos electricity market

Crime Diary

LAGOS, Nigeria (Agency Report) — The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has commended the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) for ongoing reforms aimed at addressing estimated billing and strengthening consumer protection in the state’s electricity market.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos by the FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Ondaje Ijagwu.

According to the commission, the reforms outlined in LASERC’s 2025 Lagos Electricity Market Report include stricter enforcement against electricity supply to unmetered consumers and a phased rollout of universal smart metering across Lagos State.

LASERC is expected to begin compulsory metering from 2026 through a feeder-by-feeder deployment strategy for smart meters across the state’s electricity network.

The initiative also provides for tighter regulatory oversight of electricity distribution companies, improved consumer complaint resolution processes and sanctions for operators that fail to comply with regulatory standards.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, described the reforms as a significant step toward achieving transparent billing systems and strengthening consumer confidence in the power sector.

“Estimated billing remains one of the leading sources of consumer complaints within Nigeria’s power sector,” Bello said.

He added that measures aimed at accelerating metering and improving billing transparency were essential to enhancing consumer protection and market accountability.

According to him, effective metering promotes fairness, reduces billing disputes and strengthens accountability within the electricity value chain.

Bello urged other state regulators and governments to adopt similar reforms to improve service delivery and consumer protection across the country.

He also called on electricity distribution companies and other market operators to support ongoing metering programmes and comply with their consumer protection obligations.

The FCCPC noted that LASERC’s report identified persistent service delivery gaps, complaint resolution challenges and electricity supply inefficiencies affecting consumers in Lagos State.

It stated that the findings underscore the need for stronger consumer safeguards, sustained infrastructure investment and improved electricity service delivery nationwide.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and fair market practices across Nigeria’s electricity sector.