Deaths, injuries mar DisCos’ Q1 operations – NERC

NERC Reports 12 Deaths, 14 Injuries in Q1 2025 Power-Related Accidents

Twelve people lost their lives and 14 others sustained injuries in electricity-related incidents across Nigeria in the first quarter of 2025, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). The Commission attributed the tragedies to continued non-compliance with safety standards by electricity distribution companies.

In its Q1 2025 Health and Safety Report, NERC recorded 31 electricity-related accidents within the period, resulting in 12 fatalities and 14 injuries.

“The total number of accidents in 2025/Q1 was 31, which resulted in 14 injuries and 12 fatalities,” the Commission reported.

NERC confirmed it had initiated investigations into all reported incidents and reaffirmed its commitment to improving the safety standards of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), working closely with sector stakeholders.

Among the distribution companies (DisCos), Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) recorded the highest number of fatalities (4). Jos DisCo followed with three, while Benin and Kano DisCos recorded two fatalities each. Port Harcourt DisCo was linked to one fatality.

Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) was also cited in connection with the electrocution of a resident, Master Moshood Salami, in Binukonu Community, Kwara State, in January. NERC imposed sanctions on the company for violating health and safety regulations, stating:

“IBEDC was sanctioned for non-compliance with the NESI’s regulations, distribution code, and health and safety requirements.”

NERC noted the causes of deaths included:

• Four from illegal or unauthorized access to electrical infrastructure

• Three due to unsafe acts or hazardous conditions

• Two linked to vandalism

• One caused by a fall from height

• Other incidents with unspecified causes

Despite the severity of the incidents, NERC noted a notable decline in accidents compared to the previous quarter (Q4 2024):

• Accidents dropped by 42.59% (from 54 to 31)

• Fatalities fell by 53.85% (from 26 to 12)

• Injuries decreased by 26.32% (from 19 to 14)

No casualties were reported among generation companies during the quarter. Among the DisCos, Aba Power, Kano, and Yola were the only ones with zero recorded casualties.

The DisCos with the highest number of casualties during Q1 2025 were:

• Benin DisCo – 6 casualties (23.07% of total)

• Eko DisCo – 5 casualties (19.23%)

• Ibadan DisCo – 5 casualties (19.23%)

NERC highlighted that distribution companies consistently accounted for 100% of all electricity-related casualties in Q1 2025, continuing a trend from previous quarters—100% in Q2 2024, 92.98% in Q3, and 93.33% in Q4.

The Commission reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on safety violations and pledged stricter enforcement.

“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,” NERC stated.