The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has approved N30 billion for the provision of free prepaid meters to unmetered Band A and Band B electricity customers across the country.
The commission said the funding was approved under the third tranche of the Presidential Metering Initiative, known as the Meter Acquisition Fund, MAF.
NERC disclosed this in Order No. NERC/2026/121 on the operationalisation of Tranche C of the MAF, which took effect on November 2, 2026.
The commission said the N30 billion would be distributed among the 11 electricity distribution companies, DisCos, in proportion to their respective contributions to the fund.
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NERC directed the distribution companies to conduct transparent procurement processes involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers and Meter Asset Providers with verified meter stocks.
It added that payment to selected meter providers would be made in two stages, with 70 per cent released upon verified delivery of meter stocks and the remaining 30 per cent after confirmation of complete installation.
The commission stressed that all meters supplied and installed under the programme must be provided free of charge to electricity consumers.
It also directed that every meter must prominently display the name of the relevant distribution company, 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 must bear the cost.
The order also provides for sanctions against distribution companies whose defaults impede meter installation.
To ensure transparency, the commission said the fund manager, distribution companies 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 all meter installations under Tranche C must be completed on or before May 31, 2027.
NERC said the initiative was part of efforts to close Nigeria’s metering gap, improve revenue assurance, enhance electricity service delivery and protect consumers.
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