Following alleged violation of procurement process by Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) over a $500 million Distribution Section Recovery Programme, local meter manufacturers have, again, attempted to prevent the opening of bids.

Given the current administration’s Renewed Hope initiative, a committee has advised the minister of power to urge enterprises to minimise meter imports, with a view to building sustainable local manufacturing capacity and creating employment.

The request came as the Federal High Court in Kano prepares to hear, tomorrow, the case between incorporated trustees of the Association of Meter Manufacturers of Nigeria (AMMON) in suit FHC/KN/262/2023; and Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Federal Ministry of Power, and Bureau of Public Procurement

On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, the association filed an ex parte motion, asking the court to grant an interim order preventing the 1st defendants and respondents from taking any further action toward conclusion of the bid procurement process.

The process is for the supply and installation of smart meters to 11 distribution companies, as announced by TCN on March 30, 2023, with a completion deadline of October 5, 2023.

The trial judge, A. M. Liman, also ordered an interim injunction prohibiting the defendants from terminating, interfering with, frustrating, or canceling the due performance or execution of the contract award between TCN and members of AMMON.

Despite the judge’s injunction, TCN went ahead and opened the auction on October 5, 2023. While granting AMMON’s application, Liman said it is subject to an undertaking regarding damages if it is found that the application was not meritorious.