Firm Urges FG To Ban Electricity Meters Importation

An electricity meters
manufacturing company; Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Limited, Lagos, has urged the Federal Government to ban the importation of electricity meters.
Making this known to Journalists in Lagos, the chairman of the company, Mr Kola Balogun, said that the appeal was necessary because many indigenous companies had made their mark in meter production.
He said that the indigenous companies should be supported to enhance their growth stressing that government should not allow foreigners to dominate local metre production.
“There is need for government and electricity distribution companies to promote indigenous meter manufacturing companies to prevent foreigners from taking over our local market,” he said.
Balogun said that indigenous meter manufacturing companies had standardized their products and should be encouraged through the Local Content Act.
“The business would be sustained if electricity distribution companies patronized local players to protect the huge investments made into their business.
“The patronage of local firms will generate more employment for job seekers, develop capacity building and reduce capital flight.
“Meters manufactured by indigenous firms are of global standard and quality. We are aware of the local content act, but our concern is how the act is being driven and monitored to ensure compliance, especially in the power sector, and there is the need for government to drive and enforce the act in the power sector, he added.
However, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) said it would stop the importation of meters if local manufactures assured it of meeting local demands.
Dr Dam Amadi, NERC chairman had said in Abuja at the 6th Annual Distinguished Lecture of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors that NERC was committed to promoting local content in the power sector.

Corlins Walter