NISO Moves to Boost Gombe Power Supply, Eyes 200MW Capacity

"Gombe, as a major commercial hub in the North-East, offered significant opportunities for investment and growth in the electricity market." Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, NISO Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. 

.... Says "NISO is prepared to work with the state regulator to develop appropriate market frameworks and business models that would enable Gombe to access more electricity and support its expanding economic activities.

.... Commends Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for establishing the state electricity regulatory commission, describing Gombe as the first state in the North-East to take such a step.

"The establishment of an industrial park by the state government further underscored the need for a significant improvement in electricity supply."

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has pledged to collaborate with the Gombe State Electricity Regulatory Commission (GOSERC) to unlock increased electricity supply to the state, with the state currently receiving about 30 megawatts against a potential requirement of up to 200MW.

The commitment was made on Monday when the management of GOSERC, led by its Chairman, Dr Usman Abba Arabi, MNI, visited the NISO headquarters in Utako, Abuja, to explore areas of collaboration towards improving electricity supply in Gombe State.

NISO Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, FNSE, said Gombe, as a major commercial hub in the North-East, offered significant opportunities for investment and growth in the electricity market.

Mohammed said NISO was prepared to work with the state regulator to develop appropriate market frameworks and business models that would enable Gombe to access more electricity and support its expanding economic activities.

He commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for establishing the state electricity regulatory commission, describing Gombe as the first state in the North-East to take such a step.

According to him, the establishment of an industrial park by the state government further underscored the need for a significant improvement in electricity supply.

“What I can assure you is that NISO will support you 100 per cent in exploring how to improve electricity supply in the state. We will collaborate with you to develop a sound business model that will enable the state to access more power,” he said.

The NISO boss also urged GOSERC to regard Sabana, the electricity distribution company licensed to operate in the state, as a strategic partner rather than a rival, stressing that stronger cooperation between the regulator and the utility would improve service delivery and revenue generation.

He further noted that Gombe was strategically positioned in the power sector, given its natural resources, including coal deposits that could potentially support electricity generation.

Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, FNSE
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer NISO

Mohammed also offered to provide GOSERC with on-the-job training in various aspects of electricity market operations and regulation.

Earlier, GOSERC Chairman, Dr Usman Abba Arabi, said the commission was mandated by the state government to seek practical solutions to Gombe’s electricity deficit.

Arabi disclosed that the state currently receives about 30MW, despite having the potential to receive up to 200MW based on its energy requirements and capacity.

He said the state government was already developing about 30 mini-grids but needed NISO’s cooperation to ensure their smooth integration into the broader electricity market.

“Governor has mandated us to work towards improving power supply in the state, which is why we are here to discuss and exchange ideas on how we can collaborate to achieve this objective,” Arabi said.

NISO Executive Director, Market Operations, Engr. Dr Edmond Eje, advised GOSERC to ensure that all licensed electricity distribution companies operating in the state register with NISO as market participants, given their interface with the national grid.

Also speaking, NISO Executive Director, Finance and Corporate Services, Mr Babajide Ibironke, assured the commission of the system operator’s open-door policy and continued engagement with subnational electricity regulators.

He said although NISO performs certain quasi-regulatory functions, it remained committed to working with state regulators to strengthen electricity markets and improve power supply nationwide.