RismadarVoice Reporters
November 10, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has approved ₦30 billion for the provision of free electricity meters to unmetered Band A and Band B customers across Nigeria.
The approval, contained in Order No. NERC/2026/121, forms part of the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) under the Presidential Metering Initiative.
According to NERC, the order took effect on November 2, 2026, with all installations under the programme expected to be completed by May 31, 2027.
The commission explained that the funding would be distributed among Nigeria’s 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) according to their respective contributions to the fund.
Priority will be given to customers on Band A who are yet to receive meters, while installations for unmetered Band B customers will also be accelerated.
NERC directed the distribution companies to ensure equitable allocation of meters across states within their operational territories.
The regulator emphasised that all meters supplied and installed under the programme must be provided free of charge.
It further directed that each meter must display the relevant distribution company’s name, the applicable funding tranche and the inscription “NOT FOR SALE”.
Under the implementation framework, distribution companies must conduct transparent procurement exercises involving eligible local meter manufacturers, assemblers and Meter Asset Providers with verified meter stocks.
NERC also introduced a two-stage payment arrangement for participating providers.
Seventy per cent of the contract payment will be released following verified delivery of meter stocks, while the remaining 30 per cent will be paid after successful installation has been confirmed.
The commission said the arrangement was designed to promote accountability and ensure that payments correspond with actual delivery and installation.
It also directed that where a distribution company initiates the relocation of an existing customer’s connection point for revenue protection purposes, the company must bear the associated cost.
NERC warned that distribution companies could face sanctions if their failures obstruct or delay meter installations.
The regulator further mandated participating companies and meter providers to comply with monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements.
All supply and installation contracts must also be submitted to the commission.
The latest ₦30 billion approval brings the total funding approved under the Meter Acquisition Fund’s three tranches to ₦79 billion.
NERC maintained that the initiative would help reduce estimated billing, improve electricity service delivery and strengthen consumer protection.
The commission urged electricity consumers and other stakeholders to comply with the programme’s guidelines and report irregularities through appropriate regulatory channels.
