NERC Launches Investigation as Death Toll Among Power Workers Rises to 38 in Q2 2025

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has begun an investigation into the alarming rise in fatalities among power sector workers, following the deaths of 38 electricity employees in the second quarter of 2025.

According to NERC’s latest quarterly report, all the deaths occurred among staff of electricity distribution companies (DisCos), with no casualties recorded by generation companies (GenCos) or the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

The report revealed a significant decline in safety performance across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), showing sharp increases in accidents, deaths, and injuries compared to the first quarter of 2025.

“Relative to 2025/Q1, the number of accidents increased from 31 to 60, fatalities rose from 12 to 38, and injuries climbed from 14 to 19,” the commission stated.

DisCos Lead in Fatal Incidents

NERC disclosed that all 57 casualties reported during the period were from DisCos, with the highest numbers recorded in Ibadan (11), Kano (10), Benin (5), Eko (5), and Jos (5). These five distribution companies accounted for about 63% of total casualties recorded in Q2 2025.

“As observed in previous quarters, DisCos continue to account for the majority of safety challenges in NESI. Cumulatively, they represented 100 per cent of casualties in 2025/Q2, following similar trends of 92.98%, 93.33%, and 100% in 2024/Q3, 2024/Q4, and 2025/Q1 respectively,” NERC added.

Regulatory Oversight and Enforcement

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe and reliable electricity delivery, as outlined in Section 34(1)(e) of the Electricity Act 2023. It noted that while 102 out of 105 mandatory health and safety submissions were received from licensees during the period, it would continue to enforce full reporting compliance and apply sanctions where necessary.

Although TCN recorded no fatalities, it reported 11 incidents of infrastructure damage resulting from explosions, fire outbreaks, and vandalism.

Strengthening Safety Culture

NERC confirmed that investigations into all reported accidents have commenced, with enforcement actions to follow where appropriate. Beyond punitive measures, the regulator said it is taking proactive steps to improve safety culture across the industry.

These include:

• Monitoring the accident-reduction strategies of DisCos.

• Convening regular Health and Safety Managers’ meetings to enhance compliance.

• Promoting a stronger safety awareness culture among operators and field workers.

The Commission emphasized that safety remains a non-negotiable priority in Nigeria’s power sector, and it will continue to hold operators accountable to prevent further loss of lives.