NISO Moves to Tighten Grid, Electricity Market Discipline

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

.... Says "NISO has recorded progress in maintaining the integrity of the National Grid and improving system reliability, citing the successful synchronisation test involving Nigeria and 14 other African countries as a major technical milestone."

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has stepped up efforts to strengthen the stability of the National Grid, improve liquidity and discipline in the electricity market, and enhance staff welfare.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NISO, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, FNSE, disclosed this during a town hall meeting with staff, where he outlined the organisation’s achievements, ongoing reforms and management priorities.

Mohammed said NISO had recorded progress in maintaining the integrity of the National Grid and improving system reliability, citing the successful synchronisation test involving Nigeria and 14 other African countries as a major technical milestone.

He also highlighted investments in critical infrastructure and technology, including the construction of ultra-modern National Control Centres in Osogbo, Osun State, and Gwagwalada, FCT.

According to him, the deployment of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Energy Management System (EMS), Automatic Generation Control (AGC), telemetry and Internet of Things (IoT)-based monitoring systems would improve real-time grid visibility, system control and operational efficiency.

He said IoT-based monitoring had already helped NISO detect anomalies along the Shagamu–Ikorodu transmission corridor, adding that investigations into the development were ongoing.

On staff welfare, the NISO boss disclosed that the organisation’s Conditions of Service had been approved, describing it as a major institutional framework for addressing staff matters.

He said welfare should not be limited to salaries and allowances but should also cover working conditions, professional development, career progression, recognition, fairness and effective communication.

Mohammed also acknowledged concerns over workplace relationships, communication and management styles, urging both management and staff to contribute to a healthy work environment where concerns could be raised constructively and without intimidation.

On electricity market operations, he said NISO was taking deliberate measures to improve efficiency, stability and financial sustainability.

He cited recent engagements and public hearings involving electricity distribution companies over outstanding market obligations, stressing that all market participants must fulfil their obligations.

Mohammed said NISO would continue to enforce the Grid Code and Market Rules, noting that a sustainable electricity market depended on compliance, accountability and adherence to obligations by all participants.

On system planning, he disclosed that NISO had independently developed a Transmission Expansion Plan, which was being benchmarked against international standards to ensure conformity with global best practices.

He added that the organisation was engaging state electricity markets and regulators to improve coordination and support the emergence of more stable electricity markets.

Mohammed said the reforms were ultimately aimed at improving market liquidity, strengthening discipline and grid stability, and positioning NISO as a data-driven and technology-enabled system operator and market administrator.