The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has revealed that no fewer than 59 electricity workers died while on duty between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024.
According to The PUNCH, the commission’s report confirmed that 23 workers lost their lives in 55 accidents during the first quarter of 2024. Additionally, 31 others sustained injuries in these accidents.
“The total number of accidents in 2024/Q1 was 55 which resulted in 31 injuries and 23 fatalities,” the report revealed.
The report highlighted a rise in fatalities, noting that 36 deaths were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023, 13 more than the 23 deaths reported in the first quarter of 2023.
During the last quarter of 2023, the Nigerian electricity supply industry experienced 54 accidents, resulting in 30 injuries.
The NERC stated it had launched investigations into all reported accidents and would collaborate with sector stakeholders to enhance the health and safety of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
NERC listed the primary causes of the casualties in Q1 2024 to included wire snaps, six deaths, six injuries, illegal/unauthorized access, five deaths, two injuries, acts of vandalism, two deaths, five injuries, unsafe acts/conditions, 10 deaths, 12 injuries, and falls from heights, two injuries.
The report indicated that Eko Disco, Benin Disco, Jos Disco, and Aba power reported the highest number of casualties with 13, eight, six, and six respectively.
“Cumulatively, Discos accounted for 96.30 per cent of casualties recorded in 2024/Q1 continuing a trend observed in previous quarters (98.48 per cent in 2023/Q4) that the distribution segment is the biggest contributor to safety issues experienced in the NESI (Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry),” the report partly read.
The commission disclosed that it had initiated investigations into all reported accidents and would enforce appropriate actions against licensees where necessary.
“Furthermore, the commission continues to closely monitor the implementation of licensees’ accident reduction strategy for the NESI while the sector’s health and safety code is undergoing a review process. The commission also implements various programmes aimed at improving the health and safety performance of the NESI.
“In March 2024, a quarterly peer review meeting was held with the compliance and regulatory officers of licensees to discuss the reporting obligations of licensees as well as health and safety matters,” NERC said.
The commission stated that it oversees settlement processes between licensees and families of accident victims to ensure transparency and help secure fair compensation for the losses suffered by the victim’s families.
An expert in the electricity industry and the Convener and Executive Director of PowerUp Nigeria, Adetayo Adegbemle, voiced concerns over the loss of lives in the industry.
“This is a serious issue that’s been bothering me. Many Discos’ staff across the country lack basic Personal Protective Equipment. I have personally taken this up with many of the Discos. Honestly, I believe our regulators need to intervene in this,” Adegbemle stated.
Adegbemle emphasized the need for more safety campaigns and regulatory interventions to address the situation.
“I am sure if the Discos are sanctioned effectively, there should be a turnaround. And if a Disco catches their technical staff without PPEs, and they are sanctioned as well, there will be some sanity,” he maintained.
In previous incidents, The PUNCH reported in September 2021 that an Ikeja Electric worker named Tunde fell from a pole on Palace Way, Abule, Arepo, in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State while disconnecting power supply.
In December 2020, two employees of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company were electrocuted in Asaba, the Delta State capital, when power was suddenly restored to the line they were working on, causing their deaths on the spot.
