The commission has directed that all installations under the programme must be completed by May 31, 2027.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NERC announced that the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF), known as Tranche C, became effective on November 2, 2026.
According to the commission, the ₦30 billion fund will be distributed among Nigeria’s 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) based on their respective contributions to the fund. It also directed that meter allocations must be distributed fairly across states within each DisCo’s area of operation.
The directive outlines the implementation framework for the third phase of the Presidential Metering Initiative, requiring electricity distribution companies to conduct transparent procurement processes involving qualified local meter manufacturers, assemblers and meter asset providers with verified meter stocks.
NERC also established maximum procurement prices based on the median prices recorded during the September 2026 national online bidding exercise for meter asset providers.
The commission explained that payments to selected meter providers would be made in two instalments.
“Payment to selected providers shall be made in two stages: 70% upon verified delivery of meter stock and the remaining 30% upon confirmation of complete installation,” the statement read.
NERC further emphasised that customers would not be required to pay for meters supplied and installed under the programme.
It also directed that every meter must clearly display the name of the relevant electricity distribution company, the applicable funding tranche and the inscription “NOT FOR SALE” to prevent illegal sales.
The order also addresses situations where distribution companies relocate existing customers’ connection points to protect their revenue. In such cases, the affected DisCo will be responsible for covering the cost of the relocation.
Additionally, the commission warned that electricity distributors could face sanctions for failing to fulfil their obligations or causing unnecessary delays in meter installations.
The fund manager, distribution companies and participating meter providers are also required to comply with established monitoring, reporting and evaluation procedures. All contracts covering meter supply and installation must be submitted to NERC.
The commission urged all stakeholders involved in the initiative to strictly comply with the directive, stressing that the programme is designed to reduce Nigeria’s electricity metering gap, improve revenue collection and service delivery, and strengthen consumer protection.
