Nigeria meter guide

Prepaid meter types in Nigeria: how to identify yours

Identify integrated and split prepaid meters, single-phase and three-phase supply, plus common Nigerian meter brands and keypads.

A meter guide is only useful when it matches the equipment in front of you. Nigeria uses several meter brands and configurations, and the same keypad code does not apply to every model or distribution company.

Start by identifying the physical format, phase and brand from the meter label. Then use instructions published by your DISCO for that exact meter family.

Keep this in mind

The essentials

  • Integrated meters have the keypad on the meter; split meters use a separate CIU or UIU indoors.
  • Single-phase meters are common in homes; three-phase meters support larger installations.
  • Prepaid describes how you buy energy, while smart describes communication capability.
  • The logo and model label are safer identifiers than keypad appearance alone.
  • Never open, move or rewire a sealed electricity meter yourself.

Integrated prepaid meters

An integrated meter combines the metering unit, display and token keypad in one enclosure. You normally enter the 20-digit token directly on the installed meter. Because the live electrical connections are in the same enclosure, customers should not open or move it.

Split meters with a CIU or UIU

A split meter places the sealed metering unit outside or in a secure location and gives the customer a separate Customer Interface Unit or User Interface Unit. The CIU may communicate over the building’s power line or by radio. A Link, Connect or communication error often concerns this connection—not the purchased token itself.

Single-phase and three-phase meters

Single-phase supply is typical for many homes and smaller shops. Three-phase supply is used where the approved load is larger. The meter label and installation form should identify the phase; do not infer it from the number of appliances alone.

Common brands found in Nigerian deployments

DISCO guidance references meter families including Mojec, Conlog, EDMI, Hexcel and Mommas, among others. Brand, model and meter-number prefixes vary by deployment. A code published for one DISCO or model may not work on another even when the brand is the same.

  • Read the manufacturer and model from the printed meter label.
  • Check whether the keypad is built in or separate.
  • Keep the installation form or a previous successful receipt.
  • Use the support guide for the DISCO serving the property.

Prepaid, postpaid and smart are different labels

Prepaid means energy credit is loaded before consumption. Postpaid means usage is billed later. A smart meter may support remote communication and can be configured for prepaid or postpaid service depending on the utility. Confirm the account type before buying a token.

Common questions

Frequently asked

How can I find my prepaid meter brand?

Look for the manufacturer logo and model on the sealed meter—not only on the handheld keypad. Your installation form or DISCO account may also state the meter make.

What is the difference between a CIU and UIU?

Both names describe the customer keypad or interface used with a split meter. Manufacturers and DISCOs may use Customer Interface Unit or User Interface Unit for similar equipment.

Can I use another brand’s meter code?

No. Use only codes confirmed for the exact brand, model and DISCO deployment. An incorrect code may simply fail, while repeated incorrect token attempts can temporarily lock some interfaces.

Research sources

Official guidance, product information and public sources were reviewed on 27 July 2026.

  1. Ikeja Electric meter FAQ and brand-specific balance codes
  2. Conlog split-meter and UIU explanation
  3. EDMI single-phase smart-meter overview
  4. NERC consumer metering FAQ
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