The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has hinted at plans to investigate the death of 38 electricity workers in the second quarter of 2025, with all fatalities recorded by electricity distribution companies.
The revelation was contained in the commission’s second quarter report, which showed that safety performance in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry deteriorated significantly within 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 said.
The regulator explained that no casualties were recorded by generation companies or the Transmission Company of Nigeria, as all the incidents occurred in the distribution segment.
It stated, “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.”
The five companies, it was learnt, accounted for 63 per cent of the total casualties recorded in the quarter.
The commission further expressed concern that the distribution companies continue to pose the highest safety risks within the industry.
“As observed in previous quarters, DisCos continue to account for the majority of the safety challenges experienced in NESI. 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,” NERC stated.
The commission added that it is mandated under Section 34(1)(e) of the Electricity Act 2023 to ensure safe and reliable power delivery, and it is working to strengthen 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 was stated.
The report noted that 102 out of 105 mandatory health and safety submissions were received during the period.
The commission said it would continue to enforce 100 per cent reporting compliance by licensees as contained in the terms and conditions of their respective licences and apply sanctions where applicable.
While no deaths were recorded by TCN, NERC disclosed that the transmission company reported several cases of asset damage.
“TCN recorded 11 cases of damage to property/infrastructure due to explosions, fire outbreaks or acts of vandalism over the quarter,” the report stated.
NERC assured that it has begun investigations into all reported incidents.
“The commission has initiated investigations into all reported accidents and will enforce appropriate actions where necessary,” it said.
Beyond enforcement, the commission said it is implementing measures to improve safety culture among industry operators.
“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.
Credit: punchng.com
