The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved a sun total of 30 billion naira for the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF), in a move aimed at accelerating the provision of electricity meters to unmetered customers across the country.
The approval is contained in Order No. NERC/2026/121 on the Operationalisation of Tranche C of the Meter Acquisition Fund, which takes effect from November 2, 2026.
According to the Commission, the order establishes a transparent framework for implementing the third tranche of the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), designed to accelerate efforts to bridge Nigeria’s electricity metering gap.
NERC said the approved ₦30 billion would be distributed among the country’s 11 Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) in proportion to their respective contributions to the fund.
The funding according to nerc is specifically intended to ensure that all remaining unmetered Band A customers are provided with meters while accelerating metering for customers in Band B.
The Commission also emphasised that the distribution of meters must be equitable across states within the respective franchise areas of the distribution companies.
Under the new directive, DisCos are required to conduct transparent procurement processes involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs) as well as Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) with verified meter stock.
To ensure fairness and prevent excessive procurement costs, NERC prescribed maximum procurement prices based on the median national MAP online bid prices recorded during the September 2026 bid cycle.
The payment arrangement for selected meter providers will be implemented in two stages, with 70 per cent of the contract sum payable upon verified delivery of meter stock, while the remaining 30 per cent will be released after confirmation of complete installation.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting electricity consumers, the Commission stressed that all meters supplied and installed under the Meter Acquisition Fund programme must be provided free of charge.
It further directed that every meter supplied under the programme must prominently display the name of the relevant DisCo, the applicable MAF tranche and the inscription, “NOT FOR SALE”.
The order also addresses situations where distribution companies relocate customers’ existing connection points for revenue protection purposes, stating that the cost of such relocation must be borne by the DisCo.
NERC warned that sanctions would apply where defaults by distribution companies obstruct or delay meter installation.
To strengthen accountability and ensure proper utilisation of the funds, the Commission has introduced monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements for the Fund Manager, distribution companies and participating meter providers.
It also directed that all contracts covering meter supply and installation must be submitted to the Commission for regulatory oversight.
The Commission set May 31, 2027, as the deadline for completing all meter installations under Tranche C.
NERC urged electricity distribution companies, meter manufacturers, asset providers and other stakeholders to comply strictly with the provisions of the order.
The Commission said the initiative forms part of its broader commitment to closing Nigeria’s national metering gap, improving revenue assurance, enhancing electricity service delivery and strengthening consumer protection in the power sector.
