Electricity distribution companies (DisCos) in Nigeria collected a total of N204.74 billion in January 2026 despite widespread power outages that left many parts of the country in darkness, according to data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
The figures highlight a striking contrast between worsening electricity supply and rising revenue collection by the DisCos, raising fresh concerns over consumer burden and sector inefficiencies.
NERC data showed that power generation plunged sharply in January following a gas supply crisis triggered by outstanding debts of over $1.3 billion owed to gas suppliers by power generation companies.
The development forced a drastic reduction in electricity generation to about 2,000 megawatts at the start of the year, worsening nationwide blackouts already experienced in December 2025.
Despite the supply shortfall, DisCos continued to generate significant revenue. Ikeja Electric led the pack with N38.8 billion, followed closely by Abuja Electricity Distribution Company with N35.88 billion and Eko DisCo.
At the lower end of the spectrum, Yola DisCo recorded the least collection with N4.55 billion, while Kaduna Electric and Jos DisCo collected N10.04 billion and N13.09 billion respectively.
The commission’s factsheet on the commercial performance of the utilities also revealed that DisCos received energy worth N336.43 billion and issued bills totalling N268.2 billion, translating to a billing efficiency of 79.7 per cent.
The figures have triggered criticism from electricity consumers, who say they are being made to pay for services they are not receiving.
Reacting to the development, Chairman of the Electricity Consumers Association of Nigeria, Chijoke James, accused the DisCos of exploiting customers, particularly unmetered users.
“You should not be surprised because the customers who bore the brunt of inefficiencies in the sector are those without meters. They continued to pay for services not rendered,” James said.
He added that the situation explains the resistance of some operators to the Federal Government’s ongoing metering initiatives aimed at improving transparency and accountability in billing.
The latest data is expected to further intensify calls for reforms in Nigeria’s power sector, as consumers continue to grapple with erratic supply, high tariffs, and billing controversies, despite the billions generated monthly by the distribution companies.
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