DisCos’ non-compliance with safety guidelines cause of increased fatality, injuries in Q1 operations – NERC
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has blamed non-compliance with safety guidelines by electricity distribution companies for the increase in deaths and injuries related to electrical accidents in the first quarter of 2025.
According to NERC’s Q1 2025 report, 12 people lost their lives and 14 others sustained injuries in electricity-related incidents recorded across the country. A total of 31 health and safety incidents occurred during the quarter.
“The total number of accidents in 2025/Q1 was 31, which resulted in 14 injuries and 12 fatalities,” the report stated.
NERC confirmed it has opened investigations into all the reported incidents and pledged to continue working with stakeholders to improve health and safety standards in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
Enugu Electricity Distribution Company recorded the highest number of fatalities with four deaths. Jos Distribution Company followed with three fatalities, while Benin and Kano DisCos each accounted for two. Port Harcourt DisCo was associated with one death.
NERC also cited Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) in the electrocution of a young boy, Master Moshood Salami, in Binukonu Community, Kwara State, in January. The Commission imposed sanctions on IBEDC for failing to comply with safety regulations, distribution codes, and other health and safety requirements.
The report further revealed that four of the deaths in Q1 2025 were caused by illegal and unauthorized access to electricity infrastructure. Three were due to unsafe acts or conditions, two resulted from vandalism, one was caused by a fall from height, and the remaining were attributed to other causes.
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Compared to the previous quarter (Q4 2024), the number of accidents dropped by 42.59 percent, from 54 to 31. Fatalities decreased by 53.85 percent, from 26 to 12, while injuries declined by 26.32 percent, from 19 to 14.
No generation companies recorded casualties in Q1 2025. Among the distribution companies, Aba Power, Kano, and Yola were the only ones without any reported injuries or fatalities during the period.
Of the 26 casualties reported, Benin, Eko, and Ibadan DisCos recorded the highest numbers. Benin accounted for six, while Eko and Ibadan each recorded five, representing 23.07 percent and 19.23 percent respectively.
The report observed that distribution companies have consistently been responsible for most of the safety issues in the power sector. In Q1 2025, they were linked to all the recorded casualties. This trend follows similar patterns in previous quarters, where they accounted for 100 percent of casualties in Q2 2024, 92.98 percent in Q3 2024, and 93.33 percent in Q4 2024.
NERC reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing safety standards and monitoring compliance.
“The Commission has initiated investigations into all reported accidents and will enforce appropriate actions where necessary. Furthermore, the Commission continues to closely monitor the implementation of licensees’ accident reduction strategies for the NESI,” the report stated.
