The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has revealed that distribution companies (DisCos) were responsible for all safety-related casualties recorded in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) during the first quarter of 2025
According to NERC’s Q1 2025 report, DisCos accounted for 100 percent of the 26 casualties reported in the sector during the period. This continues a concerning trend, with DisCos responsible for 100 percent of casualties in Q2 2024, 92.98 percent in Q3 2024, and 93.33 percent in Q4 2024.
The report noted that none of the power generation companies (GenCos) recorded any casualties during the quarter. Among the distribution companies, only Aba Power, Kano, and Yola DisCos had no reported incidents.
Benin DisCo recorded the highest number of casualties with six, while Eko and Ibadan DisCos each reported five. These figures represent 23.07 percent and 19.23 percent, respectively, of the total casualties for the quarter.
NERC reported that a total of 31 electricity-related accidents occurred in the first quarter of 2025, resulting in 12 fatalities and 14 injuries. The regulator attributed the primary causes of these accidents to snapped wires, unauthorized or illegal access to electricity infrastructure, vandalism, unsafe acts or conditions, and falls from heights.
In addition to the casualties, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported eight incidents of damage to power infrastructure due to explosions, fire outbreaks, or acts of vandalism during the same period.
NERC stated that it has launched investigations into all reported incidents and will take enforcement action where appropriate. The Commission emphasized its continued monitoring of safety compliance across the industry and the implementation of accident reduction strategies by licensees.
As part of its regulatory oversight, NERC also organizes regular initiatives to improve safety standards, including the biannual Health and Safety Manager’s Meeting. These meetings bring together safety officers from across NESI to discuss accident reporting obligations, review compliance scorecards, and identify areas for improvement in health and safety performance.
The Commission further noted its role in overseeing compensation negotiations between licensees and the families of accident victims. This, it said, ensures transparency and helps victims’ families receive fair compensation. In Q1 2025, NERC facilitated the successful conclusion of two such settlements.
Reiterating its commitment, NERC said it will continue to ensure full compliance with performance and safety standards across all licensees in the Nigerian electricity sector.
