By Stella Odueme
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved ₦30 billion for the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) to accelerate 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 took effect on November 2, 2026.
In a public notice issued on Tuesday, the Commission said the funding would be shared among the 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) in proportion to their respective contributions to the Fund.
It explained that the initiative was designed to meter all remaining unmetered Band A customers while accelerating meter deployment for Band B customers, with equitable distribution across states within the respective DisCo franchise areas.
Under the new arrangement, 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 stocks.
NERC said maximum procurement prices had been prescribed based on the median national MAP online bid prices from the September 2026 bidding cycle.
It added that payments to selected meter providers would be made in two instalments, with 70 per cent released after verification of meter delivery and the remaining 30 per cent paid after confirmation of successful installation.
The Commission emphasised that all meters supplied and installed under the MAF programme must be provided free of charge to electricity consumers.
It also 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 company would bear the cost.
The Order also provides for sanctions against DisCos whose defaults impede meter installation.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the Commission said the Fund Manager, DisCos and participating meter providers would be subject to monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements.
It added that all supply and installation contracts must be submitted to the Commission, while installations under Tranche C must be completed on or before May 31, 2027.
NERC urged all stakeholders to comply with the provisions of the Order, noting that the initiative was part of ongoing efforts to close the country's metering gap, improve revenue assurance, enhance electricity service delivery and protect consumers.