By Adenike Lawal
The Transmission Company of Nigeria has awarded over N160 billion worth of electricity metering contracts to Chinese firms, bypassing local manufacturers in a move that has sparked industry outrage and raised questions about the government’s commitment to its Nigeria First Policy.
The deal, funded by a World Bank loan, covers the supply of 1.25 million metres.
However, only 75,000 have been delivered and remain unused, according to the Association of Metre Manufacturers of Nigeria.
“This is a slap in the face of local industry,” said AMMON President Durosola Omogbenigun. “Despite repeated calls for support, our manufacturers have been ignored while foreign firms reap the benefits.”
Even more worrying, AMMON revealed, is TCN’s plan to begin a second World Bank-backed procurement for another 1.55 million metres, again tilting in favour of foreign suppliers.
This, the association warns, could severely damage Nigeria’s metre manufacturing sector, which has already delivered over N350 billion worth of metres between 2021 and 2024.
The group called on President Tinubu to intervene and enforce the Nigeria First Policy he recently approved.
“Nigerian companies have the skill, capacity, and commitment. What we need now is government backing,” AMMON stated, urging immediate policy alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
