World Bank Warns Legal Dispute Threatens Nigeria's Power Program

The World Bank has issued a warning that a court case involving local electric meter manufacturers could derail Nigeria's $500 million Power Recovery Programme. The legal dispute threatens the procurement of 1.55 million smart meters, which is essential for the recovery of the electricity distribution sector.

The World Bank's latest implementation status report indicates that while the programme has shown steady progress, the ongoing litigation poses significant risks. A court injunction obtained by the manufacturers is set to halt the open bidding process until April 30, 2026.

The World Bank has noted that if the legal disputes persist, there may be no option but to cancel the procurement exercise altogether, leading to increased costs and delays. As of June 15, 2026, approximately 1.23 million smart meters have been manufactured, with 1.03 million already shipped to Nigeria.

The report also highlights improvements in billing efficiency and the narrowing of the meter gap in the country.