Nigerians Spend N1.2 Trillion on Electricity Bills in 2026

Between January and June 2026, Nigeria's 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) collected N1.2 trillion from customers, according to data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Despite issuing bills totaling N1.502 trillion, the DisCos only recovered about 80% of that amount, resulting in a N301 billion shortfall.

Collections peaked at N208.15 billion in May but fell to N191.86 billion in June, the lowest month of the half-year. The highest collections were recorded by Ikeja Electric and Eko DisCo, each at N227.56 billion, followed by Abuja DisCo at N215.12 billion.

In terms of unpaid bills, Abuja DisCo had the highest outstanding amount at N46.79 billion. The NERC also identified three DisCos with particularly weak collection performance: Kaduna DisCo recovered only 48% of its billed revenue, Kano DisCo 54.79%, and Jos DisCo 56.78%.

The persistent gap between electricity supplied, billed, and paid continues to strain the financial health of Nigeria's power sector.