• Power outage hits Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has launched an investigation into the deaths of 38 electricity workers, who lost their lives in the line of duty between April and June this year. Kano State emerges among the worst-hit states, accounting for at least 10 fatalities.
The figures were contained in NERC’s Second Quarter 2025 Report, released in Abuja. The commission’s findings revealed a sharp rise in workplace accidents, injuries, and deaths across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
“Relative to 2025/Q1, the number of accidents increased from 31 to 60, the number of fatalities increased from 12 to 38, and the number of injuries increased from 14 to 19,” the report stated.
The NERC disclosed that all fatalities were recorded within the distribution segment of the industry, with no casualties reported by any of the generation companies (GenCos) or the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
The commission identified Ibadan, Kano, Benin, Eko, and Jos Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) as the worst performers, responsible for 63 per cent of all deaths and injuries recorded during the quarter.
“Out of the 57 casualties reported in the quarter, the licensees with the highest number of casualties were Ibadan (11), Kano (10), Benin (five), Eko (five), and Jos (five) DisCos,” the report explained.
It was noted that the development continues to be a disturbing pattern, in which DisCos have been responsible for almost all safety-related incidents over successive quarters.
“As observed in previous quarters, DisCos continue to account for the majority of the safety challenges experienced in NESI. Cumulatively, they accounted for 100 per cent of casualties recorded in 2025/Q2, having accounted for 92.98 per cent, 93.33 per cent, and 100 per cent in 2024/Q3, 2024/Q4, and 2025/Q1, respectively,” the commission stated.
THIS comes as residents across Taraba, Adamawa, and parts of Gombe states are currently experiencing a major power outage, as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) begins major repairs of the Bauchi–Gombe 330KV transmission line.
According to a statement from Yola Electricity Distribution Company (Yola DisCo), the maintenance, which commenced at 8:00a.m., yesterday, is to continue till 4:00p.m. today. The outage, Yola DisCo explained, was due to ongoing efforts to reinforce components of the transmission towers that were vandalised.
The repairs, as stated in the announcement, are aimed at stabilising the power network and improving the long-term electricity supply across the region.
During the scheduled maintenance, customers in Yola and Jalingo, according to YEDC, would experience temporary power cuts, while other areas would receive electricity through alternative lines. Supply is to be restored daily after 6:00 p.m. for the duration of the repair works.
“We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we work with TCN to strengthen the power infrastructure for improved service delivery,” the statement read.
