By Kelvin Alohan
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved N30 billion for the implementation of the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF), as part of efforts to accelerate the closure of Nigeria’s electricity metering gap.
The Commission disclosed this in 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 N30 billion fund will be distributed 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 and accelerate the provision of meters to Band B customers, with equitable distribution across states within the respective DisCo franchise areas.
NERC said the order establishes a transparent framework for implementing the third tranche of the Presidential Metering Initiative.
It further 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 recorded during the September 2026 bid cycle.
According to the order, payments to selected meter providers will be made in two stages, with 70 per cent payable upon verified delivery of meter stock and the remaining 30 per cent upon confirmation of complete installation.
NERC emphasised that all meters supplied and installed under the MAF programme must be provided free of charge to electricity consumers.
It directed that every meter must prominently display the name of the relevant DisCo, the applicable MAF tranche and the inscription, “NOT FOR SALE”.
The Commission also stated 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 distribution company.
It added that the order provides for sanctions against DisCos whose defaults impede meter installation.
To strengthen accountability and transparency, NERC said the order establishes monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements for the Fund Manager, DisCos and participating meter providers.
It further mandated that all supply and installation contracts be filed with the Commission, while all meter installations under Tranche C must be completed on or before May 31, 2027.
The Commission urged electricity industry stakeholders to comply strictly with the provisions of the order, noting that the initiative is aimed at closing the country’s metering gap, improving revenue assurance, enhancing service delivery and protecting consumers.
The full order is available on the Commission’s website, www.nerc.gov.ng.