The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued a landmark order directing all electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to fully refund a total of ₦20.33 billion in outstanding meter costs owed to customers under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) framework.
The directive is contained in Order No: NERC/2026/025, signed by NERC Chairman Musiliu Oseni and Commissioner, Legal, Licensing & Compliance Dafe Akpeneye on February 27, 2026. The order amends NERC’s previous 2023 directive and takes immediate effect from March 3, 2026.
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Under the MAP scheme, customers pay upfront for meters installed by third-party providers, with DisCos expected to reimburse them through energy credits over an amortisation period. NERC noted that compliance has been “very slow” over the years, resulting in the ₦20.33 billion backlog as of December 31, 2025.
DisCos must recover and fully disburse the ₦20.33 billion to affected customers within 12 months starting March 1, 2026.
Reimbursements must be fully automated on customer accounts upon meter activation.
For prepaid customers: DisCos shall generate two tokens per month equivalent to the monthly reimbursement value (based on prevailing tariff).
For postpaid customers: Reimbursement must appear as two distinct credit line items on monthly bills.
Meter reimbursement credits cannot be offset against customers’ legacy debts they must be treated separately.
DisCos are required to establish a dedicated email address for MAP reimbursement complaints and submit monthly compliance reports to NERC detailing total disbursements, complaints received and resolution status.
NERC emphasised that the order is designed to: Prevent repeated delays in reimbursements, Optimise customer notification and Strengthen sector credibility and consumer confidence.
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The MAP framework was introduced to accelerate meter deployment amid chronic metering gaps. However, slow refunds have led to widespread complaints from customers who paid for meters but received little or no credit.
The commission stated that it reviewed DisCo compliance in February 2026 and found persistent non-adherence to earlier directives.
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Consumer advocacy groups have welcomed the order as a “long-overdue victory for electricity customers.” Industry observers note that full implementation will ease financial burdens on millions of Nigerians and improve trust in the power sector.
DisCos are expected to begin accelerated refunds immediately, with NERC threatening sanctions for non-compliance.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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