Electricity distribution companies recorded the entirety of power sector accidents during the fourth quarter of 2025, with 26 persons losing their lives across the network, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission. While the death toll represents a decline from the 33 fatalities recorded in Q3, the regulator expressed continued concern that every incident occurred at the distribution level of the value chain.
The quarterly safety report also documented a drop in total accidents from 57 in Q3 to 46 in Q4, while injuries fell from 33 to 17 during the same period.
Fatality Breakdown by Distribution Company
Across all distribution companies, 43 casualties were recorded during Q4 2025, combining both deaths and injuries. Two utilities dominated the casualty statistics. Eko Disco accounted for 11 casualties, representing 25.58 per cent of the total, while Kano Disco recorded 6 casualties, representing 13.95 per cent.
When examining fatalities specifically, Eko Disco recorded the highest number at eight deaths, followed by Kano with four fatalities. Kaduna and Ikeja distribution zones each reported two deaths, while Ibadan, Benin, Jos, Enugu, Aba Power, and Abuja each recorded one fatality during the quarter.
The commission's analysis confirmed that neither the Transmission Company of Nigeria nor any generation companies recorded safety accidents during the period. "This quarter continues the trend of the distribution sub-segment being the biggest driver of safety accidents in the sector; DisCos accounted for 100 per cent of casualties recorded in 2025/Q1, 2025/Q2 and 2025/Q3, respectively," the report stated.
Root Causes and Infrastructure Damage
Examination of the fatality causes revealed that unsafe acts and conditions accounted for 14 deaths, representing more than half of all fatalities recorded during Q4 2025. Wire snaps caused six deaths, illegal or unauthorised access led to five fatalities, and vandalism resulted in one death.
Damage to electricity infrastructure persisted throughout the period. The Transmission Company of Nigeria recorded 10 cases of damage to property and infrastructure due to explosions, fire outbreaks, or acts of vandalism during Q4 2025.
Regulatory Response and Ongoing Investigations
The commission disclosed that investigations into all reported accidents remain ongoing, with appropriate enforcement actions to follow where necessary. The regulator also continues to oversee compensation discussions between operators and families of affected victims.
NERC outlined its commitment to improving health and safety performance across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry through regular engagement with licensees. The commission hosts biannual Health and Safety Manager's Meetings, bringing together health and safety officers from all licensees to discuss reporting obligations, compliance scorecards, and areas requiring improvement.
"The commission shall continue to ensure that all licensees comply with the subsisting performance standards in the NESI," the report stated, adding that oversight of settlement processes between licensees and families of accident victims aims to ensure transparency and fair compensation for losses suffered.