— Nigerian Electricity Regulatory CommissionNigeria’s electricity distribution companies (DisCos) generated a total of N204.74 billion in revenue in January 2026, despite widespread power outages that left many consumers in prolonged darkness, according to new data released by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
The figures highlight a sharp contrast between declining power supply and sustained revenue collection, as the sector grappled with a deepening energy crisis triggered by gas shortages.
Power generation dropped significantly from December 2025 and worsened in January after gas suppliers curtailed supply to generation companies over debts estimated at more than $1.3 billion.
The disruption pushed national output down to about 2,000 megawatts at the start of the year, exacerbating outages nationwide.
Despite the supply shortfall, NERC data showed that Ikeja Electric recorded the highest revenue at N38.8 billion, followed by Abuja Electricity Distribution Company and Eko Electricity Distribution Company with N35.88 billion each.
At the lower end, Yola Electricity Distribution Company posted N4.55 billion, while Kaduna Electric and Jos Electricity Distribution Company recorded N10.04 billion and N13.09 billion respectively.
Further analysis of NERC’s commercial performance report revealed that DisCos received electricity valued at N336.43 billion but billed customers N268.2 billion, translating to a billing efficiency of 79.7 percent.
Reacting to the figures, Chairman of the Electricity Consumers Association of Nigeria, Chijoke James, accused the distribution companies of exploiting consumers, particularly those without prepaid meters.He argued that many Nigerians continue to pay for electricity not supplied, blaming estimated billing practices and alleging that DisCos resist metering reforms that could curb revenue leakages and improve accountability.
The latest figures are likely to intensify scrutiny of the power sector, as consumers and stakeholders demand better service delivery amid rising tariffs and persistent supply challenges.
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