The Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has imposed a N20 million fine on Kogi Electricity Distribution Limited (KEDL) for safety and operational breaches that resulted in the death of a lineman, Mr Dirisu Yusuf. The fine was announced in Regulatory Order No. KERC/ORDER/2026/09/05, signed by KERC's Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Engr Ibrahim S. Abdwaaris, and Commissioner for Legal, Licensing and Compliance, Prof Ibrahim Abdulkarim.
According to KERC's Head of Public Affairs, Alhaji Ali Atabor, the incident occurred while Yusuf was working on the 33kV Feeder 2 network at Zango, Lokoja. An investigation by KERC found that KEDL had deployed a reused and relocated concrete pole that had previously suffered mechanical shock during conductor vandalism and Hiab transportation.
The commission rejected KEDL's defence, stating that micro-fractures and fatigue in concrete poles may not be detectable through visual inspection. KERC described the reliance on visual inspection for a recycled 33kV asset as a serious failure of technical asset-integrity procedures.
KERC also faulted KEDL for classifying work at height on a high-voltage network as a routine task, bypassing the formal Permit to Work (PTW) system. Inadequate supervisory control was identified as another factor in the incident. The commission emphasized that these failures led to the imposition of the N20 million fine.
KEDL was directed to pay the fine within 21 days, failing which it would incur an additional penalty of N500,000 for every day of default. The commission also ordered KEDL to provide evidence of payment of Group Life Assurance, Workmen's Compensation, and pension benefits to Yusuf's family within 30 days.
Furthermore, KEDL was required to conduct an engineering audit of all reused poles within 60 days, introduce mandatory pre-climb verification logs, and take disciplinary action against the supervisor involved in the fatal accident. KERC warned that continued failure to comply with the directives could attract suspension of operational privileges and further sanctions under the Kogi State Electricity Law, 2024.
The incident highlights the importance of adhering to safety protocols in the electricity distribution sector. KERC's actions demonstrate its commitment to enforcing regulatory compliance and ensuring a safe working environment for employees. The fine and directives serve as a warning to other distribution companies to prioritize safety and asset integrity.
Key points
- Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission imposes N20m fine on KEDL for safety breaches
- Lineman's death attributed to safety and operational failures by KEDL
- KEDL required to comply with directives to avoid further sanctions
