ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced plans to investigate the deaths of 38 electricity workers recorded in the second quarter of 2025, all of which occurred within electricity distribution companies.
According to the commission’s Q2 2025 report, safety performance in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) declined sharply during the period under review.
“Relative to 2025/Q1, the number of accidents increased from 31 to 60, the number of fatalities increased from 12 to 38, and the number of injuries increased from 14 to 19,” NERC stated.
The regulator clarified that no deaths or injuries were reported by generation companies (GenCos) or the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), noting that all incidents occurred in the distribution segment.
It added, “During the quarter (2025/Q2), none of the GenCos and TCN recorded casualties, whereas all the DisCos recorded casualties.
Out of the 57 casualties reported in the quarter, the licensees with the highest number of casualties were Ibadan (11), Kano (10), Benin (5), Eko (5) and Jos (5) DisCos.”
These five companies accounted for 63 per cent of the total casualties reported in the quarter. NERC expressed concern that distribution companies (DisCos) remain the most significant safety risk in the power sector.
“As observed in previous quarters, DisCos continue to account for the majority of the safety challenges experienced in NESI.
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Cumulatively, they accounted for 100 per cent of casualties recorded in 2025/Q2, having accounted for 92.98 per cent, 93.33 per cent and 100 per cent in 2024/Q3, 2024/Q4 and 2025/Q1, respectively,” the commission stated.
NERC reaffirmed its obligation under Section 34(1)(e) of the Electricity Act 2023, which mandates the commission to ensure safe and reliable power delivery while strengthening compliance among operators.
“Pursuant to Section 34(1)(e) of the EA 2023, which mandates the commission to ensure the provision of safe and reliable electricity to consumers, the commission monitors the health and safety performance of the NESI.
Licensees are mandated to submit monthly health and safety reports to the commission in accordance with the requirements of their licence,” it added.
The report indicated that 102 out of 105 mandatory health and safety submissions were received during the period, with NERC pledging to enforce full compliance and impose sanctions where necessary.
While no deaths were reported by TCN, the transmission company recorded 11 cases of property and infrastructure damage resulting from explosions, fire incidents, and vandalism during the quarter.
“TCN recorded 11 cases of damage to property/infrastructure due to explosions, fire outbreaks or acts of vandalism over the quarter,” the report noted.
NERC confirmed that investigations into all reported incidents are underway.
“The commission has initiated investigations into all reported accidents and will enforce appropriate actions where necessary,” it said.
Beyond enforcement, the commission stated that it is implementing new initiatives to strengthen safety awareness and reduce workplace hazards in the industry.
“The commission continues to closely monitor the implementation of licensees’ accident reduction strategies for the NESI. The commission also organises various programmes, including the Health and Safety Manager’s Meeting, aimed at improving the health and safety performance of the NESI,” the report added.