The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has approved N30bn for the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund to provide free electricity meters to unmetered Band A customers and speed up metering for Band B consumers.
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.
The initiative is being implemented under the Presidential Metering Initiative, which seeks to bridge Nigeria’s metering gap and improve electricity service delivery.
The N30bn fund will be shared among the 11 electricity distribution companies based on their respective contributions, with meter installations distributed equitably across states within their franchise areas.
Under the order, NERC directed the DisCos to adopt transparent procurement processes involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers and Meter Asset Providers with verified meter stocks.
NERC has also established maximum procurement prices based on the median national bid prices submitted by Meter Asset Providers during the September 2026 online bidding cycle.
Under the payment arrangement, selected meter providers will receive 70 per cent of their payments after the delivery of meter stocks has been verified, while the remaining 30 per cent will be released after the Commission confirms successful installation.
The Commission directed that all meters procured and installed under the programme must be supplied to electricity customers free of charge.
It also stipulated that each meter must bear the name of the relevant electricity distribution company, the applicable MAF tranche and the inscription, “NOT FOR SALE”.
NERC has also established monitoring and accountability measures to ensure the proper utilisation of the funds and timely delivery of meters to electricity customers.
Under the order, the Fund Manager, electricity distribution companies and participating meter providers must comply with the Commission’s reporting, monitoring and evaluation requirements. All meter supply and installation contracts must also be submitted to NERC.
The Commission warned that DisCos could face sanctions where their failure to meet obligations results in delays or prevents meter installations.
All meter supply and installation activities under Tranche C are expected to be completed by May 31, 2027.
