DSS busts alleged meter diversion scheme in Delta

By Jethro Ibileke

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Asaba, Delta State, have arrested one Aliu Junior Fayemi, over an alleged diversion and selling of meters meant for installation under the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP).

The suspect who has been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution, allegedly diverted and sold four meter units to different customers in Asaba, instead of installing them for the designated BEDC customers under the free DISREP metering scheme.

Investigators discovered during interrogation that Fayemi allegedly sold a single-phase meter for ₦145,000 and a three-phase meter for ₦250,000, an action said to be at variance with the programme’s objective of providing free meters to customers to reduce the metering gap in Nigeria’s power sector.

The Regional Head of BEDC in Asaba, Gboyega Agunlejika who confirmed the arrest, disclosed that all the diverted meters have been recovered from the buyers.

He stated that the next step was to ensure that all accomplices connected to the illegal transaction are prosecuted.

Agunlejika further disclosed that the matter has already been handed over to the police for further investigation, possible arraignment, and prosecution in accordance with the extant laws of the land.

On his part, the Agcting MD/CEO of BEDC, Engr. Jonathan Lawani, advised all customers to desist from engaging private individuals in procuring meters under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme. He said, MAP is the only programme where customers are expected to pay for meters, and such applications and payments are done online through the BEDC website.

“Customers should desist from paying money to any individual for the procurement of meters,”

Lawani further explained that all other schemes, such as Meter Asset Fund, MAF and the DISREP metering schemes are free meter rolllout schemes, adding that no customer is expected to apply or make payments for DISREP meter including installation.

He, therefore, warned that anyone found diverting and selling the meters will face the full roots of the law.

Industry observers believe that the arrest of Aliu Fayemi will help address the negative public impression that staff of BEDC Electricity Plc are involved in the illicit diversion and sale of meters.

The development is also seen as a strong signal of commitment to protecting the federal government’s effort toward eliminating estimated billing and closing the metering gap in the power sector, while ensuring that meters allocated under the programme reach legitimate customers without compromise.