The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission said at least 59 electricity workers died in the line of duty between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024.
NERC made this known via a report it published in which the commission explained that 23 of the workers lost their lives in 55 accidents in the first quarter of 2024.
The publication also contains report that 31 others sustained injuries in the 55 accidents.
The commission stated that it had launched investigations into all the accidents and would continue to work with all sector stakeholders to improve the overall health and safety of the NESI.
According to NERC, the details of the major causes of casualties (deaths and injuries) recorded in Q1 2024 are wire snaps – six deaths and six injuries; illegal/unauthorised access – five deaths and two injuries; acts of vandalism – two deaths and five injuries; unsafe acts/conditions – 10 deaths and 12 injuries; falls from height – two injuries.
Out of the 54 casualties reported in the quarter, the licensees with the highest number of casualties were Eko Disco, 13; Benin Disco, eight; Jos Disco, six; and Aba power, six.
“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.
