NERC RAISES CONCERN OVER INCREASING POWER-RELATED DEATHS
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has raised concerns over the increasing incidence of electricity-related accidents and fatalities, attributing most of the deaths to human error, poor technical skills, and inadequate training.
The warning came on Thursday during a one-day stakeholder engagement with the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) on improving vocational training for the power sector. The event, themed “Building Skilled Manpower for a Sustainable Power Sector,” was organized by the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) in partnership with Explicit Communications Limited and funded by the European Union and the French Development Agency.
Electricity-related accidents, including electrocutions from fallen distribution lines, unsafe installations, illegal connections, and poor maintenance practices, remain a persistent problem nationwide. According to NERC reports, 112 Nigerians died in electricity-related incidents in 2024, slightly down from 115 in 2023, while injuries stood at 95. In 2025, 149 personnel were killed or injured in such incidents between the first and third quarters, prompting calls for stronger safety oversight.
Speaking on behalf of NERC, Joseph John emphasized the importance of skilled manpower to complement investments in power infrastructure. “You can invest in infrastructure, but without the development of skilled personnel to manage and maintain it, the investment will be wasted,” he said, pledging the Commission’s support for NAPTIN’s mandate to deliver effective training programs.
John further stressed that the shortage of skilled technicians remains a key challenge, particularly in closing Nigeria’s metering gap. “Meters will not install themselves. People have to do it, and that is where the skills gap becomes critical. Poorly trained operators are the main cause of electricity accidents across the value chain,” he noted.
NAPTIN Director-General Ahmed Nagode highlighted the institute’s ongoing institutional renewal, including infrastructure upgrades, expanded training programs, and alignment with industry needs. He acknowledged the support of the EU, the French Development Agency, and Explicit Communications Limited for strengthening training delivery and communication with stakeholders.
Adeniyi Adejola, Chief HR Officer of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), noted that NAPTIN provided about 40% of AEDC’s technical training in 2025. He added that stronger partnerships with the institute would be crucial to achieving the Federal Government’s goals of improved electricity supply, job creation, and economic growth.
Representatives from the Nigerian Independent System Operator, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Licensed Electricity Contractors Association, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, and the National Board for Technical Education commended NAPTIN for bridging the widening skills gap in the power sector. Stakeholders agreed that sustained technical training and certification are essential to improving safety, efficiency, and reliability across Nigeria’s electricity value chain.
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