Shettima inaugurates NISO board, directs members to fix electricity grid

Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the newly constituted Board of Directors of Independent System Operator (NISO) Limited, directing them to uphold the highest standards of integrity and expertise in ensuring the seamless generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity across Nigeria.

Speaking at the ceremony on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, he emphasized that while expectations are high, board members must utilize their collective expertise and individual capabilities to achieve the ambitious goals of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the nation’s power sector within a short period.

Shettima categorically told the board members that while the Tinubu administration is committed to building a resilient, transparent, and investment-friendly power sector, it is their duty to fulfill this mandate.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains steadfast in its commitment to building a resilient, transparent, and investment-friendly power sector. The establishment of NISO is a decisive step towards achieving this vision. The government will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure that NISO operates independently and efficiently, in line with global best practices.

“We urge the Board and Management of NISO to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and dedication in carrying out their duties. Your leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, ensuring sustainable development and economic growth,” he declared.

Emphasizing the rationale behind appointing members to the NISO Board of Directors, the Vice President pointed out that it is part of the administration’s unwavering commitment to reforming and strengthening the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

He emphasized that NISO, comprising the System Operator (SO) and Market Operator (MO), plays a critical role in ensuring the stability, reliability, and security of the national grid.

Shettima noted that President Tinubu’s approval of the NISO Board fulfills the provisions of Section 30(2) of the EA 2023, which stipulates the appointment of a professionally competent and capable leadership team to drive the organization’s mandate.

“The rigorous and transparent selection process has produced a Board and Management team with the requisite experience, expertise, and leadership qualities to steer NISO towards success,” he added.

Regarding the future of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Vice President explained, “While TCN is expected to transfer all assets and liabilities related to market and system operations to NISO, in line with Section 15(2)(b) of the Act, it will retain its transmission service provider license.

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“Strategically, TCN will continue to play a pivotal role in the power sector by maintaining responsibility for transmission assets and undertaking functions essential to the development and maintenance of Nigeria’s power transmission infrastructure.

“This role will be carried out in accordance with the terms of its license, as issued by NERC, and the relevant provisions of the Act. Going forward, TCN will prioritize enhancing grid infrastructure, strengthening regional interconnections, and facilitating investment in critical transmission upgrades to meet the evolving needs of the electricity market.”

Earlier, the Minister of Power, Chief Adelabu A. Adebayo, highlighted NISO’s responsibilities, which include coordinating electricity generation in real-time to meet national demand, optimizing energy dispatch for grid stability and cost efficiency, and enforcing market discipline and transparency.

He stressed the importance of maintaining synergy with key stakeholders such as the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, State Electricity Regulators, Distribution Companies, Generation Companies, and other market actors.

Chairman of the National Electric Regulatory Commission (NERC), Engr. Sanusi Garba, reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to building an efficient power sector.

“The establishment of NISO is a decisive step towards achieving this administration’s mandate and will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure that NISO operates independently and efficiently in line with global best practices,” he stated.