The Nigerian Electronic Regulatory Commission has ordered electricity distribution companies to refund N20.33 billion to customers for meters purchased under the Meter Asset Provider framework.
The regulator said the outstanding amount must be fully repaid within 12 months starting March 1, 2026.
Under the MAP scheme, customers pay upfront for meters and are reimbursed by distribution companies, known as DisCos, through energy credits. However, the commission said refunds have been slow, prompting the new directive.
In Order No. NERC/2026/025, signed by NERC Chairman Musiliu Oseni and Commissioner for Legal, Licensing and Compliance Dafe Akpeneye on Feb. 27, 2026, the commission said DisCos owed customers N20.33 billion as of Dec. 31, 2025.
The commission said the order aims to prevent delays, improve customer notification and strengthen confidence in the power sector.
It directed that reimbursements be automated on customer accounts. DisCos must recognize the full cost of a MAP meter as a credit once the meter is activated and repay customers through monthly energy credits over the approved amortization period.
The commission also barred DisCos from offsetting meter refunds against existing customer debts, saying both must be treated separately.
For prepaid users, DisCos must generate monthly tokens reflecting the reimbursement by the fourth day of each month. For postpaid users, the refund must appear as a separate credit line on monthly bills.
To clear the backlog, DisCos are required to accelerate repayments over the 12-month period. Prepaid customers will receive two tokens monthly, while postpaid customers will see two credit entries on their bills.
NERC also mandated monthly compliance reports and the creation of dedicated complaint channels for affected customers.
The commission said DisCos must submit monthly reports detailing total reimbursements and set up email addresses to receive and track customer complaints.
