Electricity distribution companies in Nigeria generated almost N600 billion in revenue during the first quarter of 2026, despite continued blackouts, gas shortages, and consumer complaints over poor service.
According to new data released by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, the country’s 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) collected a combined N597.55 billion between January and March 2026 — averaging about N199 billion monthly.
The figures show that the companies earned N204.74 billion in January, N196.68 billion in February, and N196.13 billion in March. However, billions of naira in electricity bills remained unpaid each month due to weak collection rates and operational inefficiencies.
In January alone, DisCos billed customers N268.20 billion but recovered only N204.74 billion, leaving a revenue gap of N63.46 billion. February recorded the strongest performance, with billing efficiency rising to 87.44 percent and collection efficiency reaching 81.17 percent.
Among the strongest performers were Eko and Ikeja DisCos, with Eko Electricity Distribution Company posting more than 100 percent recovery efficiency in February. Meanwhile, Kaduna and Jos DisCos struggled with poor revenue recovery, with Kaduna recording just 41.20 percent efficiency during the same period.
The report also highlighted the deeper problems facing Nigeria’s power sector. Persistent gas shortages forced electricity generation to plunge from roughly 4,000 megawatts to below 2,000 megawatts at some points during the quarter.
Data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator showed thermal power plants received less than 43 percent of the gas needed to operate at full capacity, triggering plant shutdowns and nationwide load shedding by the Transmission Company of Nigeria.
As outages continued, many Nigerians voiced frustration over rising tariffs and unreliable electricity supply. Industry stakeholders have continued to push for improved metering, stricter action against electricity theft, and better customer service to improve collections and stabilise the sector.
