Nigerians pay over N1tn for power despite frequent blackouts
Electricity distribution companies in Nigeria collected N1.13tn from customers during the second and third quarters of 2025, despite widespread complaints about poor power supply and blackouts. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission reported that collection efficiency improved between the two quarters, with some DisCos recording notable gains. Urban operators like Ikeja DisCo achieved high collection rates, while others lagged behind. The commission highlighted the importance of accurate metering and ongoing efforts to install more meters for customers.
TLDR
- Electricity DisCos collected N1.13tn in revenue from customers between April and September 2025.
- Collection efficiency improved from 76.07% in 2025/Q2 to 80.70% in 2025/Q3, with Ikeja DisCo reaching 100% in Q3.
- N564.67bn was collected from April to June 2025, and N570.28bn from July to September 2025, with September 2025 collections at N192.29bn.
- The Meter Acquisition Fund’s first tranche ended in June 2025 with 107,461 meters installed for Band A customers; tranche B began in September 2025, allocating N28bn for further metering.
- DisCos continue to face challenges such as estimated billing, energy theft, and infrastructure issues, but are making efforts to boost revenue recovery and metering.
