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The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has initiated an investigation into the fatalities of 38 electricity workers who tragically lost their lives while on duty between April and June 2025, with Kano being one of the most affected states, accounting for at least 10 of these deaths.
The statistics were included in NERC's Second Quarter 2025 Report, which was released in Abuja.
The Commission's findings indicated a significant increase in workplace accidents, injuries, and fatalities within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
“Compared to the first quarter of 2025, the number of accidents rose from 31 to 60, fatalities increased from 12 to 38, and injuries grew from 14 to 19,” the report noted.
NERC revealed that all fatalities occurred within the distribution segment of the industry, with no casualties reported by any generation companies (GenCos) or the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
The Commission identified the Ibadan, Kano, Benin, Eko, and Jos Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) as the poorest performers, collectively responsible for 63 percent of all reported deaths and injuries during the quarter.
“Of the 57 casualties reported this quarter, the licensees with the highest numbers were Ibadan (11), Kano (10), Benin (5), Eko (5), and Jos (5) DisCos,” the report disclosed.
The report emphasized that this alarming trend continues, with DisCos being accountable for nearly all safety-related incidents over successive quarters.
“As noted in previous reports, DisCos persist in being the primary contributors to the safety challenges faced in NESI. Cumulatively, they accounted for 100 percent of the casualties recorded in the second quarter of 2025, following 92.98 percent, 93.33 percent, and 100 percent in the third and fourth quarters of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, respectively,” the Commission stated.
Expressing its concerns regarding this trend, NERC remarked that despite repeated warnings and interventions, safety conditions within distribution companies have shown minimal improvement.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing Section 34(1)(e) of the Electricity Act 2023, which mandates it to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of power to Nigerians. It pledged to hold operators accountable for violations of safety standards that jeopardize both workers and the public. “Licensees are required to submit monthly health and safety reports to the Commission,” NERC stated, adding that it received 102 out of 105 mandatory submissions during the evaluation period.
While the TCN reported no fatalities, it documented 11 instances of asset damage due to explosions, fires, and vandalism.
The report indicated that the Commission has begun investigations into all reported accidents and will implement appropriate actions where necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the investigation by NERC?
NERC launched the investigation following the deaths of 38 electricity workers on duty between April and June 2025, highlighting significant safety concerns within the industry.
Which states were most affected by the fatalities?
Kano was one of the most affected states, accounting for at least 10 of the 38 fatalities reported.
What measures is NERC taking to improve safety?
NERC is committed to enforcing safety regulations as mandated by the Electricity Act 2023 and is investigating all reported accidents to ensure accountability among operators.
