The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has ordered all electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to refund a total of N20.33 billion to customers as part of the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) framework instituted to ensure accountability in the energy sector. This directive follows significant delays in reimbursing customers who have paid for their electricity meters, with NERC stating that the amount owed must be fully reimbursed within a year, starting from March 1, 2026.

Under the MAP scheme, customers are required to purchase their electricity meters, with the expectation that they would receive refunds through energy credits from their respective DisCos. However, NERC highlighted that the reimbursement process had been alarmingly slow, prompting the necessity for this formal order. The recent directive amends the previous reimbursement order issued in 2023 and comes after a comprehensive review of the outstanding payments that have accumulated over the years, ultimately citing the need for urgency in settling these debts owed to consumers.

NERC’s decision to implement Order No: NERC/2026/025, signed by Chairman Musiliu Oseni and Commissioner Dafe Akpeneye, is a critical step in addressing customer grievances and promoting trust in the electricity distribution sector. It reflects the commission's commitment to ensuring that consumers receive the financial restitution they are entitled to while holding DisCos accountable for their financial obligations. As it stands, the enforcement of this order will significantly impact the relationship between customers and their distributors, fostering improvements in service delivery moving forward.