Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies (Discos) lost 1.13 million customers in 2025 despite earning more money and supplying more electricity. New figures from the National Bureau of Statistics showed customer numbers dropped from 13.30 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 to 12.16 million in the same period of 2025. That represents an 8.52 per cent decline.
However, customer numbers slightly improved from 12.03 million in the third quarter of 2025. The report stated, “Total customer numbers in Q4 2025 stood at 12.16 million… On a year-on-year basis, the number of customers declined by 8.52 per cent.”
Meanwhile, electricity supply increased by 6.76 per cent during the period. Revenue also jumped strongly. The Discos generated N630.93 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with N509.84 billion a year earlier. Annual revenue also rose from N1.69 trillion in 2024 to N2.32 trillion in 2025. Ikeja Disco earned the highest revenue with N440.86 billion. Eko and Abuja Discos followed closely.
In addition, metering improved across the country. Metered customers increased by 12.18 per cent to 6.97 million. At the same time, estimated billing reduced as unmetered customers fell by 26.67 per cent. The report added, “Similarly, the number of metered customers reached 6.97 million in Q4 2025… On a year-on-year basis, metered customers increased by 12.18 per cent.”
However, many electricity users continued leaving the national grid. Rising tariffs and poor power supply remain major concerns. Benin Disco lost the highest number of customers with 379,616 connections. Kaduna and Yola Discos also recorded heavy losses. Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Kano, Eko and Jos Discos followed the same trend. On the other hand, Enugu Disco gained 245,129 customers. Abuja added 146,378 customers, while Ikeja recorded a smaller increase of 22,016 customers.
The customer decline reflects a growing shift to alternative power sources. Many homes, businesses and manufacturers now rely on generators, gas or solar systems. Last year, 24 major electricity users received approval to leave the national grid. Another 22 companies secured off-grid generation permits. Also, about 250 manufacturers and tertiary institutions switched to self-generation. Listed companies spent N400.83 billion on alternative energy in the first quarter of 2026 alone.
Despite these challenges, Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Tegbe, said electricity supply would improve before the end of the year through ongoing reforms.
