DEADLINE: 11TH NOVEMBER, 2025
ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES (DisCos)
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)/PRE-QUALIFICATION FOR THE PROCUREMENT AND INSTALLATION OF SMART GRID METERS AND ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR TELEMETRY SYSTEM
1. INTRODUCTION
The Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) invite reputable firms, OEMs, authorized representatives, and qualified contractors to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the supply and deployment of Grid Meters and related systems to support Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), real-time monitoring, and accurate billing across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
This exercise aims to prequalify firms with proven experience, technical capacity, and financial strength to participate in the subsequent Request for Proposal (RFP) stage of the procurement process.
2. SCOPE OF WORKS
The scope of this project covers the design, manufacture, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of Smart Energy Grid Trading Meters, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and all associated components, including metering accessories, communication modules, and meter data management systems, along with comprehensive after-sales support.
The selected contractor(s) will be responsible for the following:
i. Deployment and setting up the AMI-HES infrastructure to support the remote automatic meter reading and Telemetry System by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO);
ii. Procurement, delivery, installation, testing and commissioning of Smart Energy Meters that comply with the requirements of the Metering Code at designated NISO-approved sites across Nigeria;
iii. Supply and integration of associated communication modules (GSM/GPRS, RF, PLC, etc.) and data concentrators;
iv. Ensuring full interoperability of the deployed meters with existing Head-End Systems (HES) and Meter Data Management Systems (MDMS);
v. Provision of technical documentation, software licenses, and capacity-building training for installation, configuration, and operation of the metering system;; and
vi. Provision of a comprehensive warranty, maintenance, and technical support service for a minimum period of two (2) years after commissioning.
3. OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of this project is to procure high-quality, reliable smart energy meters and AMI associated infrastructure suitable for use within the NESI.
The meters and systems are expected to meet the following minimum characteristics:
a. Bi-directional energy measurement; Accuracy class of 0.2s or better;
b. Flicker, sag/swell, power factor, and harmonic monitoring compliant with the Grid Code;
c. Multiple communication redundancies (GSM, RF, PLC, Ethernet) for data reliability that is DLMS/COSEM Compliant;
d. Internal Battery: Lithium CR20255-1HF or an equivalent, giving a total stand-by life of 10 years minimum with an embedded auxiliary battery;
e. Neutral disturbance detection, tilt/rotation sensors, and immutable event logging with timestamping;
f. Environmental ruggedization; operating temperature -20°C to +70°C, up to 95% humidity, IP54/IP55 enclosure for outdoor use, and surge/lightning protection;
g. Sealable optical cover port; High tamper resistance; EN61010, EN61011 Class II Safety Class
h. Load profile options of 15min/90days, 30min/180days, and 60min/360days;
i. Remote reading and two-way communication with capability of storing metered quantities as end-
month historical values for up to 24 months;
j. Integration capability with smart grids; Data storage and reporting functionalities;
k. IPv6 readiness and secure, verifiable over-the-air (OTA) firmware upgrade support,
1. Read-only access for all market participants.
4. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
4.1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
a. Evidence of Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), including Form CAC1.1 or CAC2 and CAC7 or equivalent authority in the bidder’s country of operation. Attach Certified true copies of Memorandum and Articles of Association and up-to-date Annual Returns (where applicable);
b. Evidence of Company’s Income Tax Clearance Certificate for the last three (3) years valid till 31st December 2025 or the bidder’s tax paying country;
c. Evidence of Pension Clearance Certificate valid till 31st December 2025, for a company incorporated in Nigeria;
d. Company’s/firm’s Audited Accounts for the last three (3) years-2022, 2023 & 2024;
e. Reference Letter from a reputable commercial bank in Nigeria or in the country where the prospective vendor is registered, indicating the creditworthiness of the bidder;
f. Company profile showing ownership structure, key management personnel, and qualifications of technical staff with evidence of their relevant expertise;
g. Evidence of local content participation or local partnership arrangement, where applicable.
h. For a Joint Venture/Partnership, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) should be provided (CAC, Tax Clearance Certificate, Pension Clearance Certificate IRR & Sworn Affidavit are compulsory for each JV partner).
i. Sworn Affidavit:
- Disclosing whether or not any officer of the prospective bidder is a former or current Director, shareholder, or has any pecuniary interest in GenCos, TCN, NISO, DisCos and other agencies in the NESI, and confirming that all information provided in the EOI is true and accurate in all particulars;
- Affirming that no Director of the company/firm has been convicted in any country of a criminal offence related to fraud, financial impropriety, misrepresentation, or falsification of facts;
- Stating that the company/firm is not under receivership, bankruptcy, or insolvency proceedings, and is not the subject of any winding-up petition or related process;
- Confirming that the company/firm has no outstanding loan or financial liability with any bank, financial institution, or third party that is classified as doubtful, non-performing, or bad, or whose repayment obligations have been overdue for more than three (3) months.
4.2. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
In line with the Project Objectives and Scope of Work defined in this EOI, interested bidders must demonstrate the technical competence, experience, and capability to deliver Smart Energy Trading Meters and associated systems that meet the metering code and grid code’s performance, reliability, and interoperability standards. Specifically, bidders are required to provide evidence of the following:
i. Proven experience in the design, manufacture, supply, and deployment of smart energy trading meters and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) compliant with IEC, MID, and NERC standards, capable of meeting the functional and environmental characteristics outlined in the Project Objectives.
ii. Verifiable evidence of at least one (1) successfully executed project of a similar nature and complexity within the last five (5) years, including details of clients, project scope, meter quantities, contract values, and completion certificates or references.
iii. Valid type test certificates issued by internationally accredited laboratories (or NEMSA-approved) confirming compliance with relevant metering, safety, and communication standards on previous projects executed successfully.
iv. For System Integrators or Consortiums: A signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) clearly defining each party’s roles and responsibilities as they relate to the Scope of Work.
v. Evidence of qualified technical personnel trained and certified by the OEM, NEMSA or relevant institutions in metering installation, configuration, calibration, and maintenance.
5. SUBMISSION OF PRE-QUALIFICATION AND EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (Eol)
Interested companies or firms are required to submit two (2) bound hard copies-comprising one (1) original and one (1) duplicate-and one (1) electronic copy (USB drive) of their Expression of Interest (EOI) Documents. Each submission must be clearly organized with dividers, enclosed in a sealed envelope, and boldly marked:
“EOI for Prequalification for Procurement of Smart Energy Trading Meters”
The envelope should be addressed to Electricity Distribution Companies in Nigeria.
Submission point:
NISO Office
4th Floor, Plot No. 1387,
Cadastral Zone A00,Central Business District, Abuja.
The reverse side of each envelope must clearly indicate the name and address of the bidder. All submissions are to be dropped in the designated Tender Box located at the Plot 1387, cadastral Zone A00, Central Business District Abuja, not later than 12:00 noon on Tuesday November 11, 2025.
6. NOTE:
Please, ensure that you sign the EOI Submission Register at the time of submission. The issuer will not be held liable for misplaced or wrongly submitted documents.
7. OPENING OF THE EOI DOCUMENTS/PRE-QUALIFICATION
The deadline for the submission of EOI is at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, while Pre-qualification and EOI documents will be opened by 2pm November 11 2025 at the NISO HQ 4th Floor, Plot 1387 cadastral Zone A00 CBD, Abuja in the presence of bidders or their representatives.
The submitted EOls will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Technical Competence, Relevant Experience, Qualification/ Certifications, Financial Capacity, Methodology and Transfer of Knowledge.
8. GENERAL INFORMATION
i. Eol/Pre-qualification documents must be in English Language and signed by an official authorised by the bidder,
ii. Eol/Pre-qualification documents submitted after the deadline for submission would be returned un-opened;
iii. All costs will be borne by the bidders;
iv. All documents submitted will be subjected to verification from relevant agencies;
v. All documents must be submitted in both soft and two (2) hard copies, as failure to do so will lead to disqualification;
vi. Only short-listed Contractors/Suppliers/OEM will be invited at a later date for the collection of Bid Documents and Request for Proposal (RFP);
vii. Bidders/representatives who choose to attend the EOI for Pre-qualification openings are free to do so at their own expense;
viii. The issuer is not bound to Pre-qualify/Shortlist any bidder and reserves the right to annul the procurement process at any time without incurring any liabilities.
