Vandalism and wire snaps have been identified as major causes of electricity-related fatalities in Nigeria, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.
In its quarterly reports, NERC disclosed that 112 deaths were recorded in 2024, a slight decline of 2.6 per cent compared to 115 deaths reported in 2023.
Despite this reduction, the data shows that incidents related to vandalism continue to pose a significant threat to both utility workers and members of the public.
It was also observed that the total number of injuries in 2024 was 95, representing a decrease of 6.9 per cent from 102 recorded in 2023.
The NERC report highlighted that fatalities were unevenly distributed throughout the year, with some quarters recording significant spikes.
In the first quarter of 2024, 23 fatalities were recorded, representing a 35.3 per cent increase from 17 fatalities in the corresponding period of 2023.
Injuries also surged by 93.8 per cent, rising from 16 in the first quarter of 2023 to 31 in the same period of 2024.
NESCO and Yola Electricity Distribution Companies were the only DisCos that did not record any casualties in the first quarter of 2024, according to the NERC.
The Commission also disclosed that Egbin was the only generation company that reported a safety accident during the period.
NERC, in its Q1 2024 report, revealed that a total of 54 casualties were recorded within the period, with Eko Electricity Distribution Company leading with 13 casualties, representing 24.07 per cent of the total.
This was followed by Benin DisCo with eight casualties (14.81 per cent), and Jos and Aba DisCos, both recording six casualties each, accounting for 11.11 per cent respectively.
The report further highlighted that DisCos collectively accounted for 96.30 per cent of all casualties recorded in Q1 2024.
This figure, though slightly lower, continues the trend observed in the previous quarter, Q4 2023, where DisCos accounted for 98.48 per cent of casualties.
This trend indicates that the distribution segment remains the primary source of safety issues within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
According to NERC, the major causes of casualties during the quarter included wire snaps, which led to six deaths and six injuries.
Incidents of illegal or unauthorised access to electrical installations resulted in five deaths and two injuries.
The Commission also recorded two deaths and five injuries from acts of vandalism. Unsafe acts or conditions contributed to 10 deaths and 12 injuries, while falls from height resulted in two injuries.
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