The Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) continues to grapple with significant safety challenges, primarily stemming from vandalism and wire snaps, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)’s quarterly reports throughout 2024 paint a concerning picture of persistent safety issues despite a slight overall decline in fatalities compared to 2023. Vandalism, illegal access to electrical installations, and unsafe working conditions remain major contributors to these incidents, disproportionately impacting the distribution segment of the industry. The reports consistently highlight the need for enhanced safety measures, stricter adherence to safety protocols, and robust enforcement actions against negligent operators.
The distribution companies (DisCos) consistently account for the overwhelming majority of casualties, highlighting vulnerabilities within this segment. This recurring pattern underscores the need for targeted interventions and improved safety practices within the DisCos. While the overall number of fatalities decreased slightly in 2024, the distribution of incidents across the year was uneven, with some quarters experiencing significant spikes. This fluctuation indicates the need for continuous monitoring and adaptive safety strategies to address the evolving challenges within the electricity supply industry. Furthermore, the persistent involvement of DisCos in these incidents emphasizes the importance of holding them accountable for implementing and enforcing robust safety protocols.
The first quarter of 2024 witnessed a concerning surge in both fatalities and injuries compared to the same period in 2023. Wire snaps, illegal access, and unsafe acts were identified as the primary causes of these casualties. Eko Electricity Distribution Company recorded the highest number of incidents, underscoring the need for closer scrutiny of its safety practices. The fact that only two DisCos, NESCO and Yola Electricity Distribution Companies, avoided casualties during this period further emphasizes the widespread nature of the safety challenges across the industry. The concentration of incidents within the distribution segment necessitates a comprehensive review of safety standards and enforcement mechanisms.
The second quarter of 2024 saw the highest number of fatalities for the year, although injuries declined significantly. This suggests a shift towards more severe incidents, resulting in greater loss of life. Again, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company reported the highest number of casualties, highlighting the recurring pattern of certain DisCos facing more significant safety challenges. The leading causes of casualties in this quarter were illegal access, unsafe acts, and wire snaps. The continued prevalence of these issues underlines the need for sustained efforts to address these root causes and improve safety culture within the industry. The absence of casualties among generation companies (GenCos) during this period points to the relative effectiveness of safety measures within that segment.
The third quarter of 2024 saw a decrease in fatalities compared to the same period in 2023, while the number of injuries remained constant. Wire snaps emerged as the most frequent cause of casualties, followed by unsafe acts and illegal access. Ibadan and Kaduna DisCos recorded the highest number of incidents, reinforcing the need for focused attention on these specific areas. The persistent high percentage of casualties attributed to DisCos further emphasizes the systemic nature of the safety issues within this segment. The reports from this quarter again underscore the need for improved safety practices, stricter enforcement of regulations, and greater accountability among DisCos.
The fourth quarter of 2024 witnessed a significant decline in both fatalities and injuries compared to the previous year. Vandalism became the leading cause of fatalities during this period, highlighting the ongoing challenge posed by this criminal activity. Eko Electricity Distribution Company again reported the highest number of casualties, indicating a persistent need for improvement in its safety performance. While the overall decline in casualties is a positive development, the continued prevalence of vandalism and unsafe practices emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and proactive safety measures. The NERC’s commitment to investigating all reported accidents and enforcing appropriate actions is crucial for holding licensees accountable and driving improvements in safety standards across the NESI. The Commission’s ongoing efforts to monitor accident reduction strategies and organize safety programs are vital for fostering a safety-conscious culture within the industry. Finally, the NERC’s role in facilitating compensation negotiations between licensees and victims’ families ensures that those affected by these incidents receive fair and timely support.
