Federal Government Allocates ₦30bn for Free Metering Initiative

The Federal Government has approved ₦30 billion for the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF), instructing electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to provide free meters to eligible customers by May 2027. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) announced this approval in Order No.

NERC/2026/121, effective from November 2, 2026. This initiative aims to accelerate the deployment of meters across Nigeria, particularly for unmetered Band A customers and to expedite the provision of meters to Band B customers.

The ₦30 billion will be distributed among the 11 DisCos based on their contributions to the Fund. NERC mandated that the procurement process must involve eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs) and Meter Asset Providers (MAPs).

Meters supplied under this program must be free of charge to customers and display specific information to prevent sales. The order also includes provisions for the relocation of connection points and outlines sanctions for DisCos that fail to comply with the installation requirements.