ELECTRICITY-RELATED DEATHS SPARK CONCERN: NERC SOUNDS ALARM
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–THE Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has raised concern over the continued rise in electricity-related accidents and fatalities in the power sector. Here are the key issues:
– Rising Death Toll : 112 deaths were recorded in electricity-related incidents in 2024, with 95 injuries reported.
– “Electricity-related accidents remain a major challenge in Nigeria, with frequent reports of electrocution involving fallen distribution lines, illegal connections, faulty installations and unsafe maintenance practices.”
– Human Error : Most incidents attributed to human error caused by poor technical skills and inadequate training.
– “The warning was issued… attributing most incidents to human error caused by poor technical skills and inadequate training.”
– Skilled Manpower Shortage : Investments in power infrastructure wasted without corresponding focus on developing skilled manpower.
– “You can invest heavily in infrastructure, but without the right skills and manpower to manage it efficiently, that investment will amount to a waste” – Joseph John, NERC
– Metering Gap : Shortage of skilled technicians hinders Nigeria’s metering gap closure.
– “We expect a large number of meters to come into the country, but meters will not install themselves. Skilled people are needed, and that is where the skills gap becomes critical” – Joseph John, NERC
– Training and Capacity Building : Need for continuous training to reduce accidents and improve sector efficiency.
– “Appropriate and continuous training to reduce accidents and improve sector efficiency” – Joseph John, NERC
Representatives from the Nigerian Independent System Operator, the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, the Licensed Electricity Contractors Association of Nigeria, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the National Board for Technical Education also underscored the importance of sustained technical training and certification in improving safety, efficiency and reliability across the power sector.
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