The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) says it has launched investigations into the death of 38 electricity workers recorded in the second quarter of 2025, following a sharp rise in workplace accidents across the power sector.
The revelation, contained in the Commission’s Q2 2025 report, shows a worrying deterioration in safety performance within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
According to the report, the number of accidents increased from 31 in Q1 to 60 in Q2, while fatalities rose from 12 to 38, and injuries climbed from 14 to 19 during the same period.
NERC disclosed that no deaths were recorded among generation companies or the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), as all fatalities occurred within the distribution segment of the industry.
“During the quarter, none of the GenCos and TCN recorded casualties, whereas all the DisCos recorded casualties,” the Commission stated.
It identified Ibadan, Kano, Benin, Eko, and Jos Distribution Companies as the worst offenders, together accounting for 63 percent of total casualties reported during the quarter.
The regulator expressed deep concern over the persistent safety lapses among DisCos, noting that they have consistently accounted for nearly all reported accidents in recent quarters.
“As observed in previous periods, DisCos continue to account for the majority of safety challenges in NESI. They were responsible for 100 percent of casualties in Q2 2025, after accounting for 92.98 percent, 93.33 percent, and 100 percent in Q3 and Q4 of 2024 and Q1 2025, respectively,” NERC added.
The Commission reaffirmed its mandate under Section 34(1)(e) of the Electricity Act 2023, which requires it to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of power to consumers.
As part of its oversight, NERC said all licensees are required to submit monthly health and safety reports, with 102 out of 105 operators meeting that obligation in Q2 2025. The regulator, however, warned that it would impose sanctions for non-compliance going forward.
While the Transmission Company of Nigeria recorded no fatalities, the report noted 11 incidents of asset damage linked to vandalism, explosions, and fire outbreaks within the review period.
NERC assured that full investigations are ongoing into all reported incidents, with enforcement actions to follow where necessary.
“The Commission has initiated investigations into all reported accidents and will enforce appropriate actions where necessary,” it stated.
Beyond punitive measures, NERC said it is intensifying efforts to improve safety culture across the industry. These include regular Health and Safety Managers’ meetings and monitoring of accident reduction strategies among operators to prevent further loss of life.
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