The government has secured a $500 million credit from the World Bank to support the enhancement of financial and technical capabilities within electricity distribution companies. This funding, received through the Presidential Metering Initiative, is part of the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme. The goal is to improve the performance of Discos by implementing a Performance Improvement Plan across various areas.
The fund aims to enhance service quality, reduce losses, regularize customers, and increase connections while improving network performance and collection processes. It will also facilitate options for Discos to diversify their commercial supply, upgrade distribution lines and transformer capacity, and procure meters for customers.
To oversee the implementation, a project coordinator is being sought, with qualifications in Electrical Engineering, Economics, Finance, or related fields and significant experience in project management within the Nigerian power sector. The coordinator will be responsible for ensuring adherence to World Bank standards and will report to the Bureau of Public Enterprises.
Interested parties must be prepared to work up to 240 days annually until May 30, 2028, with contract renewal subject to performance evaluations. The initiative aligns with efforts by the House of Representatives to mandate a N500 billion recapitalization for Discos to strengthen their financial standing for better service provision.