The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued a new directive establishing a digitised, transparent, and accountable framework for electricity revenue collection across Nigeria.
The guidelines, which took effect immediately upon signing by NERC Chairman Sanusi Garba, are based on powers granted under Section 226 of the Electricity Act 2023.
The move is aimed primarily at electricity distribution companies (DisCos) operating in states that have not yet established their own electricity markets.
According to NERC, the framework supports the Federal Government’s drive for a cashless economy and seeks to strengthen controls over revenue inflows in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
Key provisions of the directive include:
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DisCos are barred from using unlicensed agents to collect electricity bills.
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Only third-party collection service providers with:
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Valid CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria) licenses,
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Verified integration with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS),
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And up-to-date tax compliance
will be eligible to operate.
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NERC emphasized that this initiative is part of ongoing reforms to ensure greater accountability, efficiency, and financial transparency in Nigeria’s power sector.
