The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved ₦30 billion for the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) to accelerate efforts to close Nigeria’s metering gap.
The funding is intended to provide meters for all remaining unmetered Band A customers and accelerate installations for Band B consumers across the franchise areas of the 11 electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos).
The approval is contained in Order No. NERC/2026/121 on the Operationalisation of Tranche C of the MAF, which took effect on November 2, 2026.
The commission disclosed the approval in a post on its official X handle on Tuesday, stating that the order provides the regulatory framework for implementing the third tranche of the fund.
Under the order, the ₦30 billion will be distributed among the 11 DisCos in proportion to their respective contributions to the fund.
The order establishes a framework for implementing the third tranche of the Presidential Metering Initiative, with provisions to ensure transparency and accountability in procurement and installation.
It requires 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.
Under the payment arrangement, selected providers will receive 70 per cent of the contract sum upon verified delivery of meter stock, while the remaining 30 per cent will be paid after confirmation of complete installation.
NERC stated that all meters supplied and installed under the fund must be provided to customers free of charge.
It also directed that every meter must prominently display the name of the relevant DisCo, the applicable MAF tranche and the inscription, “NOT FOR SALE.”
Furthermore, where a DisCo initiates the relocation of an existing customer’s connection point for revenue protection purposes, the cost must be borne by the company.
The order also provides for sanctions where actions or defaults by DisCos impede meter installation.
To ensure accountability, the commission outlined monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements for the fund manager, DisCos and participating meter providers.
It further directed 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.
NERC urged all stakeholders to comply with the provisions of the order, reaffirming its commitment to closing the national metering gap, improving revenue assurance, enhancing service delivery and protecting electricity consumers.