The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved ₦30 billion for electricity distribution companies to provide free prepaid meters to unmetered Band A and Band B customers across the country.
The approval is contained in Order No. NERC/2026/121 on the third phase of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF), which took effect on Nov. 2, 2026.
The latest funding brings the total amount approved under the scheme to ₦79 billion, following earlier approvals of ₦21 billion and ₦28 billion.
NERC said the money would be shared among the country's 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) based on their contributions to the fund.
The commission directed the companies to use the money to meter all remaining unmetered Band A customers and speed up the provision of meters to Band B customers.
It stressed that “all meters procured and installed under the MAF framework shall be provided to customers at no cost.”
The regulator also directed that every meter must carry the name of the relevant distribution company and the inscription, “NOT FOR SALE.”
The approval comes as millions of electricity consumers remain without individual meters and depend on estimated billing.
NERC's August 2026 figures showed that Nigeria had 12.75 million active electricity customers, but only 8.05 million had meters, leaving approximately 4.7 million unmetered.
The commission directed DisCos to conduct transparent procurement processes and select eligible meter manufacturers and providers with verified stocks.
It also warned that sanctions would apply where distribution companies fail to meet their obligations and delay installations.
NERC has fixed May 31, 2027, as the deadline for completing all meter installations under the latest funding arrangement.
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