FCCPC Endorses Lagos Move Against Estimated Billing

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has thrown its weight behind recent reforms introduced by the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) to curb estimated billing and improve accountability in the power sector.

The endorsement was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, following LASERC’s latest measures aimed at strengthening consumer protection within the Lagos electricity market.

According to the Commission, LASERC’s position in the 2025 Lagos Electricity Market Report, particularly its push for stricter enforcement against electricity supply without meters and the phased introduction of universal smart metering across the state, represents a major step towards restoring confidence in electricity billing.

The FCCPC noted that the Lagos regulator is implementing a broad reform programme that includes compulsory metering from 2026, feeder-by-feeder deployment of smart meters, tougher monitoring of distribution companies, improved complaint resolution procedures and sanctions against operators that fail to comply with regulatory standards.

Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, described estimated billing as one of the biggest sources of complaints from electricity consumers across the country.

“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 said.

He stressed that electricity consumers should not be subjected to arbitrary or unverifiable charges, especially where actual 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.

The FCCPC boss also called on other state electricity regulators and subnational governments to emulate Lagos by adopting reforms that prioritise transparent billing systems, effective customer complaint mechanisms and stronger oversight of service providers.

“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,” Bello stated.

The Commission further urged electricity distribution companies and other operators in the power sector to cooperate fully with metering initiatives and comply with service quality obligations introduced by regulatory authorities.

FCCPC also referenced findings contained in the LASERC report regarding persistent service delivery gaps, poor complaint resolution and electricity supply challenges affecting consumers in Lagos.

According to the Commission, the issues identified in the report underscore the need for stronger consumer safeguards, continuous infrastructure investment and sustained improvements in electricity service delivery.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote transparency, fairness, accountability and improved standards within Nigeria’s electricity market through collaboration with regulators and other stakeholders.