From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
To resolve the recurring clashes between electricity distribution companies (DisCos) staff and the military, the federal government has relaunched a large-scale metering initiative across military barracks nationwide.
The project has so far generated over N769.1 million in revenue between August 2024 and April 2025, highlighting its operational success.
The project, designed to improve electricity accountability in barracks, was inaugurated by the Power Minister, Adebayo Adelabu, in March 2023 at the Ikeja Cantonment, Lagos.
In a letter to De-Haryor Global Services, the project contractor, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, praised the progress of Phase One, noting improved hours of power supply and positive impacts on energy management in beneficiary barracks.
The Nigerian Army, he said, has lauded the federal government and De-Haryor Global Services for significant strides in the ongoing nationwide mass metering initiative across military barracks, aimed at enhancing power supply and optimising energy consumption management.
Signed on behalf of the Army Chief by Major General A.A. Fadayiro, the letter highlighted the near completion of Phase One, which covers installations in Lagos (Ikeja), Enugu (Abakpa), Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, and select Abuja barracks.
De-Haryor Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ashade Olatunbosun, acknowledged the initial financial hurdles, citing delayed fund disbursements that slowed early mobilisation. However, he reported “considerable momentum,” with thousands of smart meters now installed to boost transparency, billing accuracy, and energy efficiency.
Despite challenges, the project has generated N769.1 million in revenue between August 2024 and April 2025, underscoring its operational success. Olatunbosun attributed this to the army’s “strong satisfaction” with execution quality, which has sparked discussions to expand metering to additional military facilities.
“This marks a milestone in modernising Nigeria’s energy infrastructure, particularly within public institutions,” he stated, reaffirming commitment to partnerships that drive sustainable growth and accountability.
On several occasions, the military has forcefully abducted, intimidated, assaulted and brutalised the staff and the facilities at the substation of the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) in Badagry, Lagos State.
The attack, which took place at the weekend following a temporary power outage, happened less than a week after a similar assault on the staff and infrastructure of the Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IKEDC) by the Nigerian Air Force.