Nigerians Paid ₦1.13 Trillion for Electricity in 2025 While Living in Near-Total Darkness – NERC Data Exposes Shocking Reality

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In a damning revelation that has sparked nationwide outrage, Nigerian electricity consumers handed over a whopping ₦1.13 trillion to Distribution Companies (DisCos) from April to September 2025 – all while enduring relentless blackouts, repeated national grid collapses, and abysmal power supply, according to a new report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The staggering sum breaks down to ₦564.71 billion collected in Q2 (April–June) against ₦742.34 billion billed (76.07% efficiency) and ₦570.25 billion in Q3 (July–September) against ₦706.61 billion billed (80.70% efficiency) – marking a 4.63% improvement in collections quarter-on-quarter.
Monthly highs reached ₦197.08 billion in April and ₦192.29 billion in September, highlighting how Nigerians continued paying premium rates despite receiving little to no electricity in many areas.

The period was marred by severe disruptions, including multiple grid failures and sharp drops in generation capacity due to gas shortages stemming from unpaid debts owed to Generation Companies (GenCos).

Millions relied on generators, solar alternatives, or candles, yet estimated billing and high tariffs persisted for the majority of unmetered customers – over 5 million remain without meters despite ongoing initiatives like the Meter Acquisition Fund.

NERC attributed the “improved” collection rates partly to reduced energy distribution, allowing DisCos to focus on areas with better payment records. Critics, however, see this as evidence of prioritising profits over equitable service.

Performance among the 11 DisCos varied dramatically: Ikeja Electric achieved a perfect 100% collection in Q3, while Kaduna Electric scraped by at just 45.67%. Seven DisCos, including Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Eko, recorded gains.

As frustration boils over, consumer advocates and industry watchers are renewing demands for sweeping reforms, greater accountability, and massive investments to end the cycle of paying for darkness in Africa’s largest economy.