Every day, as Nigerian electricity workers go about their lives, powering homes and businesses, a silent struggle unfolds behind the scenes, marked by danger, tragedy, and a relentless pursuit of change. These incidents, detailed in the latest report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), reveal a haunting narrative of wire snaps, unauthorised access, vandalism, and falls from heights. Each incident is a devastating reminder of the risks faced by those who ensure the nation’s lights stay on.
In the first half of 2024 alone, 23 Nigerian electricity workers tragically lost their lives in the line of duty, according to the latest report from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). These fatalities occurred amidst 55 accidents, highlighting ongoing safety concerns within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
The report identifies several primary causes for these incidents, including wire snaps, which caused six deaths and six injuries; unauthorised access, leading to five deaths and two injuries, vandalism resulting in two deaths and five injuries; unsafe conditions or actions contributing to 10 deaths and 12 injuries, and falls from a height which caused two injuries.
NERC’s findings also reveal that distribution companies (Discos) such as Eko Disco, Benin Disco, Jos Disco, and Aba Power reported the highest casualties. Specifically, Eko Disco reported 13 deaths, Benin Disco 8, Jos Disco 6, and Aba Power 6. Distribution companies collectively accounted for 96.3% of the casualties in Q1 2024, continuing a concerning trend observed in previous quarters.
These numbers paint a sobering picture of recurring fatalities despite efforts by regulatory bodies and stakeholders to enforce safety standards, continuing a concerning trend observed in previous years.
2023: A Year of Continued Tragedy
In 2023, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) documented numerous fatalities among electricity workers. The report disclosed that at least 59 workers died in electrical accidents spanning from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024.
2022: Persisting Challenges
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) reported concerning figures on electricity-related accidents for the first half of 2022. Between January and June, 66 Nigerians lost their lives due to these accidents, with 37 fatalities occurring in the first quarter and 29 in the second. Issues persist in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), including the prevalence of substandard materials and alleged negligence by Distribution Companies (Discos).
2021: A Grim Toll
The Nigerian electricity sector has faced significant challenges with safety, leading to numerous deaths and injuries due to issues like electrocution, power surges, and fire outbreaks from faulty installations. From early 2020 to mid-2021, reports indicate that at least 126 Nigerians were electrocuted, with 68 sustaining serious injuries.
The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), established in 2015, plays a critical role in enforcing technical standards and conducting inspections to ensure safe electrical installations. Despite efforts by regulatory bodies like NEMSA and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to improve safety through programs and reviews, the incidents have persisted, prompting ongoing regulatory interventions and safety initiatives.
Among the stories that have emerged from these tragedies is that of a seasoned lineman with over 20 years of service who met his untimely end in a preventable accident while responding to a faulty transformer in Kano. His son remembers him as a dedicated father who worked tirelessly to provide for their family, only to lose his life due to inadequate safety measures.
The persistent challenges in the NESI are multifaceted, encompassing issues such as substandard materials, inadequate maintenance of power infrastructure, and lapses in safety protocols. Despite establishing regulatory bodies like the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) and NERC’s efforts to enforce standards, these tragedies continue to occur with alarming frequency.
Substandard materials, outdated infrastructure, and inadequate training continue to plague the industry. Incidents involving wire snaps, illegal access, vandalism, unsafe conditions, and falls from height remain alarmingly common, contributing to the high casualty rates among workers.
In response to these ongoing crises, stakeholders are called upon to prioritise safety measures rigorously. This includes standardising protective schemes, public enlightenment campaigns on electrical safety, and stricter enforcement of regulations across the industry. Improved coordination between government agencies and electricity operators is crucial to addressing right-of-way violations, often leading to fatal accidents.
While the road ahead remains challenging, there is hope for a safer future in Nigeria’s electricity sector. By fostering a culture of safety, investing in modern infrastructure, and empowering regulatory agencies with more excellent oversight capabilities, it is possible to mitigate the risks and ensure that electricity delivery is reliable and safe for all Nigerians.
As the nation mourns the lives lost and vows to prevent future tragedies, the call for action grows louder. Only through collective effort and unwavering commitment to safety can Nigeria’s electricity sector illuminate the path to a brighter tomorrow. If our workers continue to risk their lives to power our nation, who will be left to sustain and serve our people?