Kogi Regulator Slams N20m Fine on Electricity Distributor for Fatal Safety Breaches
The Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has levied a substantial N20 million regulatory fine against Kogi Electricity Distribution Limited (KEDL) following a series of critical safety and operational breaches that tragically resulted in the death of a lineman, Mr. Dirisu Yusuf. This decisive action, detailed in Regulatory Order No. KERC/ORDER/2026/09/05, underscores the commission’s commitment to enforcing stringent safety standards within the electricity sector.
According to Alhaji Ali Atabor, Head of Public Affairs at KERC, the sanction stems from a fatal occupational accident involving Mr. Yusuf on the 33kV Feeder 2 network in Zango, Lokoja. Investigations revealed that KEDL had deployed a reused and relocated concrete pole, previously compromised by vandalism and heavy vehicle transport. The commission found that this pole was deemed fit for climbing based solely on a superficial visual inspection, a defence KERC unequivocally rejected. The regulator highlighted that micro-fractures and fatigue in concrete poles are often imperceptible to the naked eye, deeming the reliance on visual inspection for such a critical 33kV asset a “total breakdown of technical asset-integrity procedures.”
Further compounding KEDL’s culpability, the commission identified a failure to implement the formal Permit to Work (PTW) system for work at height on a high-voltage network, classifying it as “routine.” Inadequate supervisory control was also cited as a significant contributing factor. The N20 million fine was specifically attributed to asset-integrity failure, insufficient pre-work verification, and supervisory deficiencies. KERC has mandated payment within 21 days, with a daily penalty of N500,000 for any default.
Beyond the financial penalty, KERC has issued comprehensive directives to KEDL. The company must provide evidence of Group Life Assurance, Workmen’s Compensation, and pension benefits paid to the deceased’s family within 30 days. Furthermore, an engineering audit of all reused poles is required within 60 days, alongside the enforcement of mandatory pre-climb verification logs and disciplinary action against the supervisor involved in the fatal incident. KERC issued a stern warning that continued non-compliance could lead to the suspension of operational privileges and further sanctions under the Kogi State Electricity Law, 2024.
In a separate regulatory order, KERC also sanctioned KEDL for an incident on December 9, 2025, at New Market, Lokoja, where Ms. Suleiman Ramatu sustained severe injuries due to a snapped 11kV conductor. KEDL was found liable for five breaches, including failure to maintain asset integrity, inadequate inspection and documentation, ineffective hazard control, poor management of Right-of-Way encroachment, and a lapse in its safety management system. The commission noted KEDL’s awareness of traders operating beneath the energised line and its failure to implement adequate engineering controls.
While KERC acknowledged KEDL’s engagement with Town Planning authorities and feeder protection activation as mitigating factors, they were not considered a defence against the breaches. Penalties were computed under the Nigerian Electricity Supply and Installation Standards (NESIS) Regulations, but payment was conditionally waived to prioritise Ms. Ramatu’s welfare. KEDL is obligated to cover all reasonable medical, rehabilitation, and related care costs for Ms. Ramatu. The waiver is contingent on KEDL’s full compliance; failure to do so will result in the revocation of the waiver and immediate recovery of the computed penalty. KEDL must also inspect and repair the affected 11kV line, conduct a comprehensive safety assessment of 11kV lines in markets and densely populated areas, establish hazard registers, and install interim safety controls. A compliance report is due within 30 days, followed by quarterly reports for the subsequent 12 months.
