At least 12 people lost their lives and 14 others were injured in electricity-related incidents across Nigeria in the first quarter of 2025, according to a report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which has faulted distribution companies for lapses in safety compliance.
The Commission’s Q1 2025 health and safety report, released on Wednesday, revealed that a total of 31 accidents were recorded between January and March this year, exposing persistent risks across Nigeria’s power distribution network.
NERC noted that investigations had been launched into all recorded incidents, with a commitment to working alongside stakeholders to improve safety standards within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
Enugu Electricity Distribution Company recorded the highest number of fatalities, with four deaths attributed to incidents under its network. Jos Electricity Distribution Company followed with three deaths, while Benin and Kano DisCos were linked to two fatalities each. Port Harcourt DisCo accounted for one death.
Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) was also named in the report, following the electrocution of a resident, Master Moshood Salami, in the Binukonu Community of Kwara State. NERC stated that IBEDC was sanctioned for failing to comply with NESI regulations and safety codes, which allegedly led to the fatal incident.
The breakdown of the accidents revealed that four of the deaths resulted from illegal and unauthorised access to power infrastructure, three from unsafe conditions or behaviour, two from acts of vandalism, one from a fall, while the remaining cases stemmed from other causes.
Despite the casualties, the report indicated an improvement compared to the previous quarter. The number of accidents dropped by 42.59 percent from 54 in Q4 2024 to 31 in Q1 2025. Fatalities fell by 53.85 percent, from 26 to 12, while injuries declined from 19 to 14, marking a 26.32 percent reduction.
No fatalities or injuries were recorded among the generation companies during the reporting period. Among the DisCos, only Aba Power, Kano, and Yola avoided any casualties.
Of the 26 total casualties reported, Benin, Eko, and Ibadan DisCos were each responsible for a significant share. Benin accounted for six, while Eko and Ibadan recorded five casualties each, making up over 60 percent of the total combined.
NERC highlighted that distribution companies have consistently been the source of most safety-related incidents in the electricity sector. According to the report, DisCos accounted for 100 percent of the casualties recorded in the first quarter of 2025 a pattern that continues from previous quarters in 2024, where they were responsible for over 90 percent of such cases.
The Commission reiterated its resolve to enhance enforcement and strengthen accident prevention across the sector. “All reported incidents are under investigation, and disciplinary measures will be taken where necessary. The Commission remains committed to monitoring and enforcing each licensee’s accident reduction strategy to ensure the safety of lives and property,” the report stated.
