CJN Kekere-Ekun calls for stricter legal action against DisCos over 112 electricity deaths in 2024, urging judiciary to enforce safety standards.
CJN: DisCos Must Be Held Accountable for 112 Electricity-Related Deaths in 2024
CJN Demands Accountability from DisCos Over 112 Electricity Deaths in 2024 the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called on the judiciary to hold electricity distribution companies (DisCos) accountable for the 112 lives lost and 95 injuries recorded in 2024 due to electricity-related incidents.
Justice Kekere-Ekun made this call during the opening session of the 2025 National Seminar on Regulations in the Electricity Power Sector for Judicial Officers. The event, jointly organised by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI), focused on the legal responsibilities of power sector operators and the urgent need for improved safety compliance.
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Citing data from NERC, the CJN noted that although fatalities slightly decreased from the 115 recorded in 2023, the figure remains alarmingly high. Many of the accidents, she said, stemmed from vandalism, snapped wires, illegal connections, and unsafe working conditions—all exacerbated by DisCos’ negligence.
“The judiciary must take a firm stance. Operators who fail to follow safety protocols must face consequences. Justice must be served for victims and their families,” she declared.
Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that NERC must also operate transparently and within its legal mandate. While the commission has powers to set tariffs, issue regulations, and resolve disputes, these powers are not above judicial review. She urged judges to critically assess delegated legislation to safeguard public interest and the rule of law.
Speaking at the seminar, NERC Vice Chairman Dr. Musiliu Oseni highlighted how judicial decisions directly impact investor confidence and regulatory stability. He cited landmark cases like the 2015 Manufacturers Association of Nigeria case and the 2016 Toluwai judgment, which temporarily halted regulatory functions until a Court of Appeal ruling in 2019 restored NERC’s authority.
“Inconsistent judicial interpretation has had a chilling effect on investments. A stable legal framework is critical for a thriving power sector,” Oseni said.
Also addressing the seminar, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, described electricity as fundamental to Nigeria’s socio-economic progress. He stressed the importance of judicial engagement and legislative reform in navigating the evolving complexities of the electricity sector.
“The law must evolve to reflect the sector’s realities. Our legal institutions must adapt to effectively regulate and protect the public,” Fagbemi concluded.
The seminar urged deeper collaboration between the judiciary and regulators to ensure that safety, compliance, and justice remain central pillars of Nigeria’s electricity reforms.
