The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) said the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) recorded 36 accidents in the second quarter of 2026, resulting in 20 deaths and 23 injuries.
According to NERC’s Q2 2026 report, the number of accidents increased significantly from the 24 recorded in the first quarter, while fatalities rose from 17 to 20 and injuries from 13 to 23.
The Commission said it had commenced investigations into all the reported accidents and would continue to work with stakeholders to strengthen health and safety standards across the electricity sector.
According to the report, the distribution segment accounted for the overwhelming majority of the casualties, representing 95.34 per cent of the 43 casualties recorded during the quarter.
It stated that all distribution companies, except Yola Electricity Distribution Company, recorded casualties.
During the period, Eko and Ikeja distribution companies recorded the highest figures with eight casualties each, followed by Kano with six and Ibadan with five.
At the generation level, only one safety accident was recorded during the quarter.
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) recorded two cases, while the Transmission Service Provider (TSP) recorded six cases involving damage to property and infrastructure.
NERC said the incidents included wire snaps, arc flashes, explosions and fire outbreaks.
On compliance with mandatory reporting requirements, the Commission said it received 99 of the 102 health and safety reports expected from licensees during the quarter.
It said it would continue to enforce full compliance with reporting obligations contained in licensees’ terms and conditions, including imposing sanctions where necessary.
The regulator added that it was closely monitoring the implementation of accident reduction strategies by electricity licensees.
NERC also said it continued to engage licensees through its biannual Health and Safety Managers’ Meeting, where reporting obligations and other safety concerns are discussed.
The Commission said licensees’ compliance scorecards were also reviewed during the meetings to identify areas requiring improvement.
NERC said it oversees settlement processes between electricity licensees and families of accident victims to promote transparency and ensure affected families receive fair compensation.
During the second quarter, the Commission said it supervised the settlement process for the family of one electricity accident victim.