Electricity accidents claimed 192 victims in 2025 — NERC

No fewer than 192 electricity workers and members of the public were killed or injured in power-related incidents across Nigeria in 2025, according to the latest report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The figure includes 149 casualties recorded between the first and third quarters of the year and an additional 43 cases in the fourth quarter, reflecting ongoing safety challenges in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.

Data from the report shows a slight improvement compared to 2024, when 207 casualties—comprising 112 fatalities and 95 injuries—were recorded. In 2025, fatalities declined marginally to 109, while injuries stood at 83, bringing total casualties to 192.

Despite the reduction, NERC noted that safety risks remain high, particularly within the electricity distribution segment, which accounted for all recorded incidents during the year.

In the fourth quarter alone, accidents dropped from 57 in the previous quarter to 46, while fatalities decreased from 33 to 26 and injuries from 33 to 17. The total number of casualties in the quarter stood at 43, down from 66 in the third quarter.

The commission, however, expressed concern that distribution companies (DisCos) were responsible for 100 per cent of reported casualties across all quarters of 2025, with no incidents recorded by transmission or generation companies.

A breakdown of the Q4 data showed that Eko and Kano distribution companies recorded the highest number of casualties, with 11 and six cases respectively.

NERC identified unsafe acts and poor working conditions as the leading causes of accidents, accounting for the highest number of fatalities and injuries. Other contributing factors included wire snaps, illegal connections to electricity infrastructure, and vandalism.

The report also highlighted infrastructure challenges, noting that the Transmission Company of Nigeria recorded 10 incidents of damage to facilities due to explosions, fire outbreaks, and vandalism during the same period.

While acknowledging improvements in accident reduction, the commission stressed the need for stricter adherence to safety protocols and increased public awareness to address persistent risks.

NERC added that it is intensifying regulatory oversight in line with the Electricity Act 2023, including enforcing compliance with mandatory health and safety reporting by licensees and applying sanctions where necessary.

The regulator said it is also overseeing compensation processes for victims, noting that 10 compensation cases were successfully concluded in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Although incremental progress has been recorded, the report underscores that safety concerns—especially within the distribution network—remain a significant threat to both workers and the public in Nigeria’s power sector.