Taofeek Lawal, Author at Tribune Online

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has pledged to deliver globally standard operations by collaborating with regional and international organisations to drive economic growth and development, in line with its mission, vision and core values. These efforts are mandated by law and driven by a national imperative for transparency, neutrality, and reliability in grid operations and electricity market coordination. Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of NISO, Engineer Abdul Bello Mohammed, stated that the organisation’s mission is to manage Nigeria's electricity grid with reliability, efficiency, and transparency, thereby enabling a sustainable and competitive power sector that drives economic growth and improves quality of life. The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) is a newly established entity responsible for the operation and management of Nigeria’s electricity grid and market. It was created through the unbundling of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), as mandated by the Electricity Act of 2023. Its core function is to ensure a reliable and stable electricity supply by managing grid operations, market transactions, and ancillary services. Engineer Bello Mohammed explained that the Institute is working with the West African Power Pool (WAPP) to successfully synchronise the national grid, allowing Nigeria to contribute meaningfully to regional development rather than merely acting as an observer. He added that NISO exists to serve all participants in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry—DisCos, GenCos, eligible customers, and other market participants—fairly, professionally, and transparently. He said, “NISO did not emerge from thin air. It was borne out of reform mandated by law and driven by a national imperative for transparency, neutrality, and reliability in grid operations and electricity market coordination. “The Electricity Act 2023, which repealed the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) of 2005, did not just change the rules; it changed the structure. Within that structure, NERC took a bold and necessary step to ring-fence the ISO functions from TCN and establish a fully independent system operator—a system operator with a name, a face, and a mission of its own. “We intend to deepen our participation globally with partners like the West African Power Pool (WAPP). I’m proud to say the Secretary General paid us a courtesy visit last month, and we have actually commenced a partnership that will yield results. Before the end of the year, we ought to conduct a synchronisation test of the national grid with WAPP. “This will be a major milestone for us. It will allow Nigeria to contribute to regional development not just as observers. Nigeria was one of the countries that initiated WAPP, but unfortunately, we’ve been left behind. Other countries have connected and moved forward. But this time around, with NISO, we are going to synchronise successfully by September this year.” “Our site engagements, especially the recent ones concerning the SCADA/EMS project, and the level of completion observed during site inspections at Gwagwalada and Katampe substations, reflect a management team that is not content with boardroom assumptions—we go and see for ourselves. “We have also commenced the Digitisation and Automation Initiative, in partnership with global technology leaders Huawei. This will give us real-time system visibility, smart data analytics, and modern SCADA/EMS infrastructure. Let me put it simply: this is the kind of progress that transforms institutions from being reactive to being proactive,” the NISO boss added. The Executive Director, Finance and Corporate Services, Babajide Ibironke, said NISO represents a new era of transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in Nigeria’s electricity sector. He added that NISO is committed to building a trusted institution that goes beyond branding to become a source of pride for stakeholders, with a clear focus on professionalism and accountability. “Our mission is to manage Nigeria’s electricity grid with reliability, efficiency, and transparency, enabling a sustainable and complete power sector that drives economic growth and improves quality of life. Our vision is to establish an electricity market that empowers economic growth and sustainable energy for national development,” Ibironke said. ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE