The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced the approval of ₦30 billion for the implementation of Tranche C of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF), aimed at accelerating the provision of electricity meters to unmetered Band A and Band B customers across the country.
The Commission disclosed this in a public notice announcing the issuance of Order No. NERC/2026/121 on the Operationalisation of Tranche C of the Meter Acquisition Fund, which took effect on November 2, 2026.
Under the new order, the approved ₦30 billion will be allocated among the 11 electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) in proportion to their respective contributions to the Fund.
The funding is expected to cover all remaining unmetered Band A customers while accelerating the metering of Band B customers, with equitable distribution across states within the respective DisCo franchise areas.
NERC directed DisCos to conduct transparent procurement processes involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs) and Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) with verified meter stock.
The Commission also prescribed maximum procurement prices based on the median national MAP online bid prices from the September 2026 bid cycle. Payments to selected providers will be made in two stages, with 70 per cent payable upon verified delivery of meter stock and the remaining 30 per cent after confirmation of complete installation.
NERC reaffirmed its commitment to consumer protection, stating that all meters supplied and installed under the MAF programme must be provided free of charge to customers.
It further directed that every meter must prominently display the name of the relevant DisCo, the applicable MAF tranche and the inscription, “NOT FOR SALE.”
The order also stipulates that where a DisCo initiates the relocation of an existing customer’s connection point for revenue protection purposes, the cost must be borne by the DisCo. It equally provides for sanctions where defaults by DisCos impede meter installation.
To strengthen accountability, the Commission mandated the Fund Manager, DisCos, and participating meter providers to comply with prescribed monitoring, reporting, and evaluation requirements. All supply and installation contracts are also required to be filed with the Commission.
NERC set May 31, 2027, as the deadline for completing all meter installations under Tranche C.
The Commission urged electricity stakeholders to comply strictly with the provisions of the order, noting that the initiative is intended to close the country’s metering gap, improve revenue assurance, enhance service delivery, and protect electricity consumers.
It added that the full order is available on its website, www.nerc.gov.ng.
