The Federal Government of Nigeria has received a $500 million credit facility from the World Bank to enhance the financial and technical capacities of electricity distribution companies (Discos). This funding, provided under the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) through the Presidential Metering Initiative, is aimed at implementing the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), according to a statement by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
The primary objective of the DISREP initiative is to improve the financial and operational performance of Discos across the country. The funds will support various aspects of the sector, including reducing technical, commercial, and collection losses, improving customer service quality, increasing electricity connections, and enhancing monitoring and control of network performance.
The funding will also facilitate the rehabilitation and expansion of medium and low-voltage distribution lines, boost transformer capacity, and support the diversification of commercial supply options, including direct power purchases from generation companies and the integration of decentralized renewable energy sources.
Additionally, the program will finance the bulk procurement and transportation of retail-level electricity meters and meter data management systems to address metering gaps. These efforts aim to regularize customer accounts and ensure accurate billing, reducing inefficiencies in the sector.
To oversee the implementation of the DISREP initiative, TCN has announced its intention to hire a project coordinator. The coordinator will lead the DISREP Project Implementation Unit (PIU), ensuring that all activities align with the project’s design and World Bank requirements. The coordinator will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluation, donor relations, and providing technical support to the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).
The public notice outlines that applicants for the role must have at least a master’s degree in electrical engineering, economics, finance, or related fields, with a minimum of 10 years of professional experience and five years of relevant expertise in project management within Nigeria’s power sector.
The project coordinator will operate out of the BPE headquarters in Abuja, reporting semi-annually to the Director-General through the Director of Energy. The contract is expected to last until May 30, 2028, subject to annual performance reviews.
This funding marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to address longstanding challenges in its electricity sector. By improving the infrastructure and operational efficiency of Discos, the government aims to enhance the reliability and quality of electricity supply to millions of Nigerians.
