NERC Approves ₦30bln For Third Metering Fund Tranche, Sets May 2027 Deadline

By Joycelyn Ellakeche Adah

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved ₦30 billion for the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF), directing electricity distribution companies to complete all meter installations under the programme by May 31, 2027.

The directive, contained in Order No. NERC/2026/121, took effect from November 2, 2026, and is designed to accelerate the closure of Nigeria’s metering gap under the Presidential Metering Initiative.

NERC said the ₦30 billion would be shared among the 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) in proportion to their respective contributions to the fund.

The money is intended to meter all remaining unmetered Band A customers and speed up the metering of Band B customers, with equitable distribution across states within each DisCo’s franchise area.

Under the order, DisCos are required to conduct transparent procurement processes involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs) and Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) with verified meter stocks.

The commission has 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 released after verification of meter delivery and the remaining 30 per cent paid after confirmation of complete installation.

NERC stressed that meters supplied and installed under the MAF programme must be provided to customers free of charge.

It directed that every meter must prominently carry the name of the relevant DisCo, the applicable MAF tranche and the inscription, “NOT FOR SALE”.

The order also places the cost of relocating an existing customer’s connection point on the DisCo where the relocation is initiated by the company for revenue protection purposes.

It further provides for sanctions where defaults by DisCos obstruct meter installation.

To strengthen accountability, the commission has imposed monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements on the Fund Manager, DisCos and participating meter providers. All supply and installation contracts must also be filed with NERC.

The commission urged stakeholders to comply with the order, saying the third tranche would support efforts to close the national metering gap, improve revenue assurance, strengthen electricity service delivery and protect consumers.