NISO strengthens focus on grid stability, staff welfare, market discipline
Omeiza Bilal
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the reliability and stability of the National Grid, improving discipline and liquidity in the electricity market, and creating a more productive, inclusive and supportive workplace for its employees.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NISO, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, FNSE, stated this during a town hall meeting with staff, where he outlined the organisation’s achievements, ongoing reforms and management priorities.
Mohammed, while describing the town hall as an important platform for open and constructive engagement between management and staff, highlighted the organisation’s progress in maintaining the integrity of the National Grid and improving system reliability and stability.
He also cited the successful synchronisation test conducted by NISO, involving Nigeria and 14 other African countries, as a significant technical milestone.
He further highlighted investments in critical system infrastructure and technology, including the construction of ultra-modern National Control Centres in Osogbo, Osun State and Gwagwalada in the FCT, as well as the implementation of SCADA, Energy Management System (EMS), Automatic Generation Control (AGC), telemetry and IoT-based monitoring systems.
According to him, these initiatives are expected to improve real-time grid visibility, system control, operational efficiency and the ability to identify emerging problems.
He cited the detection of anomalies along the Shagamu–Ikorodu transmission corridor through IoT-based monitoring as an example of the benefits of improved system visibility, noting that investigations into the corridor remain ongoing.
On staff welfare, Mohammed disclosed the approval of a Conditions of Service, describing it as an important institutional framework for staff matters. He stressed that welfare goes beyond salaries and allowances to include workplace conditions, professional development, career progression, recognition, fairness and effective communication.
Mohammed acknowledged concerns around workplace relationships, communication and management styles, and called on both management and staff to contribute to a healthy organisational culture where concerns can be raised constructively and without intimidation.
On market operations, the MD/CEO said NISO was taking deliberate steps to strengthen the efficiency, stability and financial sustainability of the electricity market.
He referenced recent engagements and public hearings involving electricity distribution companies over outstanding market obligations and stressed the need for market participants to fulfil their obligations.
He also emphasised NISO’s enforcement of the Grid Code and Market Rules, noting that a healthy and sustainable electricity market depends on compliance, accountability and the fulfilment of obligations by all participants.
On system planning, Mohammed disclosed that NISO had independently developed a Transmission Expansion Plan, which is being benchmarked against international standards to ensure alignment with global best practices.
He added that NISO is engaging state electricity markets and regulators to strengthen coordination and support the development of more stable electricity markets.
He said the various initiatives are aimed at improving market liquidity, strengthening discipline, enhancing grid stability and positioning NISO as a data-driven and technology-enabled system operator and market administrator.
