Power sector loses N54.18bn in February as millions remain und
Electricity users across Nigeria failed to remit a total of N54.18 billion for energy consumed in February 2025, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
This shortfall was disclosed in NERC’s latest Factsheet, which showed that out of the N245.93 billion billed by the 12 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) during the month, only N191.75 billion was recovered. The result reflects a collection efficiency of 77.9 per cent.
The figure represents a 6.56 per cent improvement over the previous month’s collection rate, pointing to modest progress in revenue recovery. Nonetheless, the gap in payments remains a pressing issue in Nigeria’s power sector.
The report noted that the DisCos received a total of 2,583.19 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of energy in February, out of which 2,137 GWh was billed to customers. This translates to a billing efficiency of 82.73 per cent, which is a 1.81 per cent rise compared to January.
Despite the average allowed tariff standing at N116.18 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), the DisCos were only able to recoup N88.21/kWh on average, indicating a revenue recovery rate of 75.9 per cent. This marks a 10.5 per cent increase from January’s figures.
Among the operators, Aba Power posted the lowest collection efficiency at 53.9 per cent, recovering just N3.47 billion from a billing total of N6.44 billion.
At the other end of the spectrum, Abuja Disco recorded the highest collection rate of 89.03 per cent, securing N31.7 billion out of its N35.67 billion billings.
Eko, Enugu, and Ikeja DisCos also performed strongly, reporting collection efficiencies of 88.76 per cent, 88.47 per cent, and 81 per cent respectively.
In contrast, Ibadan Disco, which serves seven states, recovered only 71.72 per cent of its N26.88 billion billings.
NERC’s report drew attention to continuing issues such as commercial losses, poor revenue collection, and the unresolved challenge of estimated billing. Over seven million electricity consumers across the country remain unmetered, fuelling long-standing disputes between customers and DisCos over incorrect billing.
The regulator recently sanctioned eight DisCos for inflating customer bills, further underlining the tension between service providers and users.
Meanwhile, the Rural Electrification Agency has reported that metered mini-grid customers have maintained a collection efficiency exceeding 95 per cent. This revelation has renewed calls for a nationwide acceleration of the metering programme.
