The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved ₦30 billion for the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF), ordering electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to provide meters free of charge to customers and complete all installations on or before 31 May 2027.
The commission announced the approval in Order No. NERC/2026/121 on the Operationalisation of Tranche C of the Meter Acquisition Fund released on Tuesday.
According to the commission, the order took effect on 2 November 2026.
It said the order establishes a transparent framework for implementing the third tranche of the Presidential Metering Initiative, aimed at accelerating the closure of Nigeria’s metering gap.
Under the order, the ₦30 billion will be allocated among the eleven Distribution Companies (DisCos) in proportion to their respective contributions to the Fund.
The commission said the funding is intended to meter all remaining unmetered Band A customers and accelerate the metering of Band B customers, with equitable distribution across states within the respective DisCo franchise areas.
NERC directed DisCos to undertake transparent procurement processes involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs) and Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) with verified meter stock.
The commission prescribed maximum procurement prices based on the median national MAP online bid prices from the September 2026 bid cycle.
“Payment to selected providers shall be made in two stages: 70 per cent upon verified delivery of meter stock and the remaining 30 per cent upon confirmation of complete installation,” NERC said.
Meters free, not for sale
The commission reiterated that all meters supplied and installed under the MAF programme shall be provided free of charge to customers.
“Every meter must prominently display the relevant DisCo’s name, the applicable MAF tranche and the inscription “not for sale”. Where a DisCo initiates the relocation of an existing customer’s connection point for revenue protection purposes, the cost shall be borne by the DisCo.”
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The order also provides sanctions where DisCo defaults impede meter installation.
To ensure accountability and transparency, NERC said the order prescribes monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements for the Fund Manager, DisCos and participating meter providers.
“All supply and installation contracts must be filed with the commission. All meter installations under Tranche C must be completed on or before 31 May 2027.”
The commission urged all stakeholders to comply strictly with the provisions of the order, which it said reinforces its commitment to closing the national metering gap, improving revenue assurance, enhancing service delivery and protecting electricity consumers.
