By Mary Izuaka

 

The Eko and Ikeja electricity distribution companies recorded the most casualties in the second quarter of 2026 as accidents in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) rose to 36, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) said.

In its Q2 2026 report released on Monday, the commission said accidents rose from 24 in Q1 to 36 in Q2, while fatalities rose from 17 to 20 and injuries from 13 to 23 in the same period.

“Relative to 2026/Q1, the number of accidents increased from 24 to 36, the number of fatalities increased from 17 to 20, and the number of injuries also increased from 13 to 23,” NERC said.

The report showed that out of the 102 mandatory health and safety reports expected from licensees in the quarter, 99 were received.

NERC said it will continue to enforce 100 per cent reporting compliance as contained in the terms and conditions of their respective licences and apply sanctions where applicable.

According to the commission, most of the accidents during the quarter (2026/Q2) occurred at the distribution level, with only one safety accident recorded at the generation level.

“Although all DisCos, except Yola, recorded casualties, the licensees with the highest number of casualties out of the total forty-three (43) recorded during the quarter are Eko (8), Ikeja (8), Kano (6) and Ibadan (5), representing 18.60 per cent, 18.60 per cent, 13.95 per cent and 11.63 per cent of the total, respectively,” the report said.

The commission noted that the quarter continues the trend of the distribution sub-segment being the biggest driver of safety accidents in the sector, accounting for 95.34 per cent of total casualties recorded in Q2 2026.

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During 2026/Q2, NERC said the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) recorded two cases, and the Transmission Service Provider (TSP) recorded six cases of damage to property and infrastructure resulting from wire snaps, arc flashes, explosions and fire outbreaks.

The Commission said it has initiated investigations into all reported accidents and will enforce appropriate actions where necessary.

“Furthermore, the Commission continues to closely monitor the implementation of licensees’ accident reduction strategies for the NESI.

“The Commission also organises various programs, including the Health and Safety Managers’ Meeting aimed at improving the health and safety performance of the NESI,” it said.