Electricity distribution companies (DisCos) in Nigeria collected a total of N1.13 trillion from customers over the six months spanning the second and third quarters of 2025 (April to September), according to monthly performance data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

This revenue comes despite widespread complaints of low power supply and frequent blackouts across the country. During the period, the national power grid experienced a total collapse, while power generation companies (GenCos) reported reduced output due to low gas supply, stemming from unpaid debts.

According to NERC’s report on revenue performance and collection efficiency across the 11 DisCos, N570.25 billion was collected in Q3 2025 from a total of N706.61 billion billed, representing a collection efficiency of 80.70%. In Q2, DisCos collected N564.71 billion from N742.34 billion billed, yielding a 76.07% efficiency.

The six-month total of N1.13 trillion reflects a 4.63 percentage point increase in overall collection efficiency between Q2 and Q3 2025, even as total billing declined slightly.

In Q3, Ikeja DisCo led in collection efficiency at 100%, followed by Eko (88.74%), Benin (86.44%), and Abuja (81.60%), while Kaduna DisCo recorded the lowest at 45.67%. Several DisCos, including Ikeja (+17.58 pp), Port Harcourt (+8.83 pp), Yola (+8.72 pp), Abuja (+5.24 pp), Jos (+4.90 pp), Eko (+0.94 pp), and Benin (+0.89 pp), improved collection efficiency between the two quarters. Kaduna (-2.70 pp) and Ibadan (-1.34 pp) saw the most significant declines.

Monthly collections from April to June totaled N564.67 billion, with April at N197.08 billion, May N188.70 billion, and June N178.89 billion. In Q3, revenue rose to N570.28 billion, with July at N190.52 billion, August N187.47 billion, and September N192.29 billion—the highest monthly collection in the period, signaling some stabilisation.

NERC noted that the variations in performance often correlate with the level of energy offtake, explaining that DisCos tend to prioritise areas with historically lower inefficiencies when energy demand drops. The report stressed the importance of accurate metering to boost revenue recovery, highlighting initiatives under the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF).

Tranche A of the MAF, concluded in June 2025, resulted in 107,461 meters installed for unmetered Band A customers. Tranche B, operationalised in September 2025, allocates N28 billion for metering Band A and B customers, aiming to further improve collection and energy accounting efficiencies.