The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved ₦30 billion for the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF), aimed at providing free electricity meters to unmetered Band A customers and accelerating metering for Band B consumers across Nigeria.
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 November 2, 2026.
According to the commission, the ₦30 billion will be distributed among Nigeria’s 11 electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) in proportion to their respective contributions to the fund.
The intervention forms part of the Federal Government’s Presidential Metering Initiative, designed to reduce the country’s electricity metering gap, improve billing transparency and strengthen service delivery in the power sector.
NERC directed the DisCos to ensure equitable distribution of meters across states within their respective franchise areas.
The commission also emphasised that all meters supplied and installed under the programme must be provided to customers free of charge. It warned that the meters must not be sold to electricity consumers.
Under the new order, every meter supplied through the programme must prominently display the name of the relevant distribution company, the applicable MAF tranche and the inscription, “NOT FOR SALE”.
NERC further directed the DisCos to conduct transparent procurement processes involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs) and Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) with verified meter stocks.
To strengthen accountability, payments to selected meter providers will be made in two stages, with 70 per cent released after verification of delivered meter stocks and the remaining 30 per cent paid after the commission confirms that installation has been completed.
The order also provides that where a distribution company initiates the relocation of an existing customer’s connection point for revenue protection purposes, the company must bear the associated cost.
NERC introduced monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements for the Fund Manager, distribution companies and participating meter providers. All supply and installation contracts must also be submitted to the commission.
The regulator warned that sanctions would apply where defaults by distribution companies obstruct or delay meter installations.
All installations under the third tranche are expected to be completed on or before May 31, 2027.
The latest approval brings the total amount approved under the three tranches of the Meter Acquisition Fund to ₦79 billion, following earlier approvals of ₦21 billion and ₦28 billion.
The commission said the programme is intended to accelerate the closure of Nigeria’s metering gap, improve revenue assurance, enhance electricity service delivery and strengthen consumer protection.
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