The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved N30 billion for the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF).
This is aimed at providing free electricity meters to unmetered Band A customers and accelerating installations for Band B consumers.
The Commission said the funding would be distributed among the 11 electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) in proportion to their contributions to the Fund.
The approval is contained in Order No. NERC/2026/121 on the Operationalisation of Tranche C of the Meter Acquisition Fund, which took effect on 2 November 2026.
The initiative forms part of the Presidential Metering Initiative, designed to close Nigeria’s metering gap and improve accountability in electricity billing.
Under the new order, DisCos are required to conduct transparent procurement processes involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs) and Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) with verified meter stock.
NERC has also prescribed maximum procurement prices based on the median national MAP online bid prices from the September 2026 bid cycle.
Payments to selected meter providers will be made in two stages: 70 per cent after verification of meter stock delivery and the remaining 30 per cent after confirmation of complete installation.
The Commission stressed that all meters supplied and installed under the MAF programme must be provided free of charge to customers.
It directed that every meter must prominently display the name of the relevant DisCo, the applicable MAF tranche and the inscription, “NOT FOR SALE”.
NERC further stated that where a DisCo initiates the relocation of an existing customer’s connection point for revenue protection purposes, the cost must be borne by the distribution company.
The order also provides for sanctions where a DisCo’s default obstructs meter installation.
To strengthen accountability, the Fund Manager, DisCos and participating meter providers are required to comply with monitoring, reporting and evaluation provisions. All supply and installation contracts must also be filed with the Commission.
NERC has set 31 May 2027 as the deadline for completing all meter installations under Tranche C.
The Commission urged electricity stakeholders to comply with the order, saying the initiative would help close the national metering gap, improve revenue assurance, enhance service delivery and protect consumers.
