33 Lives Lost, 33 Injured: Electricity Accidents Claim Dozens in Q3 2025 — NERC Report Reveals

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has disclosed a disturbing toll from power-related incidents in the third quarter of 2025, with 33 fatalities and 33 injuries recorded across the country in just three months. A total of 57 accidents were reported nationwide, highlighting persistent dangers in the nation’s electricity distribution network.

The latest quarterly safety performance report from NERC shows that all incidents occurred at the distribution level, with no casualties recorded from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) or generation companies (Gencos). Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) continue to drive the majority of safety accidents, accounting for 100% of casualties in recent quarters — a trend that has persisted from late 2024 through 2025.

Ikeja and Kano DisCos recorded the highest number of accidents, with 10 incidents each. Ikeja reported 4 deaths and 6 injuries, while Kano recorded 6 deaths and 4 injuries. Other notable zones included Eko and Kaduna (with 8 casualties each), alongside varying incidents in Abuja, Jos, Aba, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Yola.

Wire snaps proved particularly deadly, causing 10 fatalities and 7 injuries. Unsafe acts and hazardous conditions tied for the highest fatalities and led to 10 deaths and 18 injuries overall, often linked to poor maintenance, human error, and inadequate safety enforcement. Illegal or unauthorised access to installations contributed 2 deaths and 3 injuries, while vandalism accounted for 2 fatalities.

Compared to Q2 2025, which saw 60 accidents, 38 fatalities, and 19 injuries, the latest figures show a slight decrease in accidents and deaths but a sharp rise in injuries — from 19 to 33. NERC described this as a worrying shift, despite the modest improvements.

The regulator has initiated investigations into all reported cases and vowed to enforce necessary sanctions. It also highlighted ongoing efforts, including periodic meetings with health and safety managers from electricity companies to review incidents, share lessons, and drive improvements. During the quarter, NERC supervised the successful conclusion of two compensation negotiations between DisCos and victims’ families.

Explosions, fire outbreaks, and vandalism also damaged TCN infrastructure in four cases, underscoring broader vulnerabilities in the sector.

The NERC report reinforces urgent calls for enhanced safety standards, stricter enforcement, and investment in infrastructure maintenance to protect lives in Nigeria’s beleaguered power sector.