NERC noted that out of the 54 casualties reported in the quarter, Eko Disco, Benin Disco, Jos Disco and Aba Power recoded the highest number of casualties
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has disclosed that twenty-three electricity workers died while performing their duties in the first quarter of 2024.
The electricity regulatory body made the revelation in its latest report.
According to NERC, the 23 workers who paid the supreme price while on duty, lost their lives in 55 accidents during the period under review.
The commission, however, added that 31 others sustained injuries in the 55 accidents recorded in the first quarter.
“The total number of accidents in 2024/Q1 was 55 which resulted in 31 injuries and 23 fatalities,” the report revealed.
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A breakdown of the major causes of casualties (deaths and injuries) recorded in Q1 2024 are wire snaps – six deaths and six injuries; illegal/unauthorized 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.
The report further revealed that out of the 54 casualties reported in the quarter, the licensees with the highest number of casualties were Eko Disco (13); Benin Disco (8); Jos Disco(6); and Aba Power (6).
“Cumulatively, Discos accounted for 96.30 percent of casualties recorded in 2024/Q1 continuing a trend observed in previous quarters (98.48 percent in 2023/Q4) that the distribution segment is the biggest contributor to safety issues experienced in the NESI (Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry”, the report further added.