TheCable

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has imposed a fine of  N300 million on the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) over “negligence” in the death of a 4-year-old boy in Niger state.

This is contained in an order issued by the regulatory agency in Abuja on Tuesday.

NERC said N50 million will be paid as compensation to the family of the deceased while N250 million will go to the commission for all infractions/violations identified in the order.

On April 11, Arafat Muhammad, the victim, was electrocuted after he gained unhindered access to the switchyard of the senior staff quarters 300kVA, 11/0.415kV distribution substation in Bosso area of Minna, the state capital.

“AEDC’s negligence in complying with the terms and conditions of its licence, Distribution Code and HSC resulted in the death of a 4-year old boy, Master Mohammed Arafat Jibril, on 11 April 2019 at the Senior Quarters of the Federal low-Cost Housing Estate, Maikunkele, Bosso local Government Area of Niger,” NERC said.

“The victim inadvertently gained access into the substation yard and grabbed the internal connection of the feeder pillar on potential and got electrocuted instantly.

“The iron access door was not under secured lock and this made it vulnerable to unauthorised persons or intruders.

“The feeder pillar was also not under secured lock and the plinth has collapsed with generally untidy environment in the switch yard.

“The Commission conducted a random investigation of AEDC’s facilities at different locations in Abuja and similar acts of non-compliance were identified.”

The commission said it is the obligation of the DisCo to ensure that electrical equipment installed in streets and accessible to public are protected by locking the doors and/or providing a suitable fence with gate having the “DANGER” sign.

“AEDC shall pay the sum of NGN50miliion to the family of late Master Mohammed Arafat Jibril as compensation to his family and this compensation payment shall be made to the family at formal l presentation to be held at the Commission on 28 May 2019,” NERC said.

“AEDC shall pay a fine in the sum of NGN250 miliion to the Commission for all infractions/violations identified in this order. This fine shall be due and payable by 20 May 2019.”