From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
Association of Meter Manufacturers of Nigeria (AMMON), has withdrawn its suit to stop the procurement process for phase two of the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP).
Its president, Ademola Agoro, the decision was taken after the intervention of the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, at a stakeholders’ meeting. In attendance were representative of National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Mr. Nathan Shatti; Commissioner, Finance and Administration, Dr. Alex Okoh; Director General, BPE, Managing Director, TCN and other directors in the ministry.
Agoro said: “The association is happy to observe that the minister restated government determination to ensure that Nigeria becomes self-sufficient in local meter manufacturing and production to close the huge metering gap of over eight million meters. The World Bank is funding only 1.2million meters.
“The minister promised AMMON members will be accommodated in the procurement process through a national competitive bid. The government will also work with the local meter manufacturers to implement other metering initiatives to address the huge metering gap in the power sector.
“Though this is a painful, the decision was taken in national interest and because of liquidity challenges in the power sector. AMMON therefore seeks the support of all stakeholders to work with the association to develop metering sector and the backward integration programme of the Federal Government.”