The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on Wednesday confirmed that Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) had complied with its directive to compensate the family of an electrocuted victim.
This is contained in a statement by Dr. Usman Arabi, Head, Public Affairs Department of NERC in Abuja.
According to the statement, Mr James Yakubu’s daughter, Miss Faith Yakubu, was in 2015, electrocuted by AEDC’s power line.
It stated that AEDC, in a letter dated February 10, informed NERC of the payment of money as compensation to the victim’s family living in Gwagwalada Area Council.
The statement stated that NERC, in 2015, informed the public of the monetary compensation it imposed on AEDC following the death of the eight-year old girl after AEDC was found liable of negligence.
It stated that on Sept.3, 2015, Abuja Disco reported the electrocution of the deceased which occurred on Aug. 11, 2015.
It stated that immediately NERC constituted an Accident Investigation Team which submitted a report that showed that AEDC was on electricity revenue drive at Anguwan Dodo area of Gwagwalada in August 2015.
According to the statement, findings indicate that the whole area was disconnected from the main source but an energised conductor was left lying on the ground by AEDC.
The victim, who had her four month younger brother strapped on her back, came in contact with the live wire that electrocuted her, but the brother survived.
It stated that NERC’s Order NO: NERC/141 compelled AEDC to compensate the family of the deceased for causing her untimely death.
It added that NERC order also gave directive that staff of AEDC found negligent should be disciplined appropriately and other staff of the electricity firms should be trained on NERC regulations.
The statement also stated NERC directed electricity companies to ensure that all their marketing units were provided with competent technical staff.
It added that DISCOs marketing units should also carry out the functions of connection and disconnections, including enlightenment campaigns as provided in NERC’s safety manual and safety code.
The statement stated that NERC also received confirmation from the Abuja Disco that it was funding the medical treatment of the surviving son.
