The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved ₦30 billion for the electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to meter customers, under an Order that takes effect from 2 November 2026 and governs the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF).
The Commission announced this in Order No. NERC/2026/121 on the Operationalisation of Tranche C of the MAF made available on Tuesday.
The Order sets out a transparent framework for implementing the third tranche of the Presidential Metering Initiative, which is aimed at accelerating the closure of Nigeria’s metering gap.
The ₦30 billion will be shared among the eleven Distribution Companies (DisCos) in proportion to their contributions to the Fund.
It is meant to meter all remaining unmetered Band A customers and speed up the metering of Band B customers, with equitable distribution across states within each DisCo’s franchise area.
Under the Order, DisCos must carry out transparent procurement involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs) and Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) with verified meter stock.
The Commission has set maximum procurement prices based on the median national MAP online bid prices from the September 2026 bid cycle. Selected providers will be paid in two stages: 70 per cent on verified delivery of meter stock and the remaining 30 per cent on confirmation of complete installation.
NERC reiterated that all meters supplied and installed under the MAF programme must be provided free of charge to customers. Every meter must prominently display the DisCo’s name, the applicable MAF tranche and the inscription “NOT FOR SALE”. Where a DisCo relocates an existing customer’s connection point for revenue protection purposes, the DisCo will bear the cost. The Order also provides sanctions where DisCo defaults hinder meter installation.
To ensure accountability and transparency, the Order prescribes monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements for the Fund Manager, the DisCos and participating meter providers. All supply and installation contracts must be filed with the Commission, and all Tranche C installations must be completed on or before 31 May 2027.
The Commission urged all stakeholders to comply strictly with the Order, which it said reinforces its commitment to closing the national metering gap, improving revenue assurance, enhancing service delivery and protecting electricity consumers.
