A new analysis of electricity sector data shows that more than 37 million households in Nigeria do not have access to the national power grid, highlighting the depth of the country’s electricity crisis.
Figures from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission indicate that there are about 12.31 million registered electricity customers across the country, while Nigeria has an estimated 49.5 million households. Based on a one-customer-to-one-household assumption, this suggests that approximately 37.19 million households remain unconnected to grid electricity supplied by the 11 electricity distribution companies.
This translates to about 75.13 percent of Nigerian households lacking access to grid power. However, analysts caution that the real figure may be higher or lower due to the presence of business accounts among registered customers and the existence of off-grid electricity sources in some communities.
Broader data from the World Bank shows that as of 2023, about 61.2 percent of Nigerians had access to some form of electricity, leaving a significant portion of the population without reliable energy supply.
The NERC factsheet also shows a marginal rise in electricity customers, from 12.23 million in January to 12.31 million in February 2026. Despite this increase, metering remains a major challenge, with 5.10 million customers still on estimated billing, representing 41.43 percent of active users.
Estimated billing means consumers are charged based on projected usage rather than actual consumption, a system widely criticized for overbilling and lack of transparency. At the same time, only 58.57 percent of customers are currently metered.
Between January and February 2026, distribution companies added 241,590 new meters nationwide, raising the national metering rate slightly from 57.93 percent to 58.57 percent. Total metered customers increased to about 7.21 million.
Performance across distribution companies remains uneven. Eko and Ikeja DisCos recorded the strongest metering coverage, both above 87 percent, while Abuja DisCo followed with nearly 79 percent. Port Harcourt, Benin, Ibadan, and Enugu DisCos showed moderate improvements but still face significant gaps.
In contrast, northern distribution companies continue to lag behind. Jos, Kaduna, Kano, and Yola DisCos recorded the lowest metering rates, with Yola remaining the weakest at about 31.86 percent.
Energy analysts say the figures reflect deep structural problems in Nigeria’s power sector, including weak infrastructure, revenue losses, and slow investment in metering systems. They warn that the continued reliance on estimated billing is damaging consumer confidence and undermining revenue collection.
Consumer advocates have also criticized the situation, describing estimated billing as unfair and calling for stronger regulatory enforcement, including penalties for distribution companies that fail to meet metering targets.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the persistent electricity crisis reflects government failure and continues to harm industrial growth and economic productivity. The party warned that repeated national grid failures are weakening local production and increasing dependence on imports.
Energy experts further argue that without accelerated investment in transmission networks, smart metering, and decentralized renewable energy systems, millions of Nigerian households will remain excluded from reliable electricity access for years to come.
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