Between April and September 2025, Nigerian electricity consumers paid a total of ₦1.13 trillion in bills, despite enduring frequent blackouts and a national grid collapse, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
NERC’s report indicates that Distribution Companies (DisCos) collected ₦564.71 billion in the second quarter and ₦570.25 billion in the third quarter, achieving collection efficiencies of 76.07% and 80.70%, respectively. This marks a 4.63 percentage point improvement in revenue collection between the two quarters.
Despite these financial gains, power supply remained unreliable. The national grid experienced a total collapse during this period, and Generation Companies (GenCos) reported reduced output due to gas shortages linked to unpaid debts.
Among the DisCos, Ikeja achieved a 100% collection efficiency in Q3, while Eko, Benin, and Abuja DisCos recorded efficiencies of 88.74%, 86.44%, and 81.60%, respectively. Conversely, Kaduna DisCo had the lowest efficiency at 45.67%.
NERC attributes the improved collection rates to decreased energy offtake, which dropped by 6.08% in Q3 compared to Q2. However, challenges such as estimated billing, energy theft, and infrastructure constraints persist.
The report underscores the need for DisCos to enhance service delivery and for coordinated efforts to address systemic issues in Nigeria’s power sector.
