NISO Celebrates One Year with Achievements in Grid Stability, Market Transparency
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has celebrated its first anniversary, highlighting key achievements in strengthening Nigeria’s electricity grid, improving market coordination, and advancing long-term power sector planning.
Speaking at the anniversary event held Wednesday at the NISO headquarters in Utako, Abuja, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer said the organisation has made measurable progress since its establishment under the Electricity Act 2023.
He noted that NISO was created with a transformative mandate to oversee independent system operations, electricity market administration, and system planning within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), describing the role as critical to ensuring grid stability, market credibility, and coordinated sector growth.
Reflecting on the past year, the CEO said NISO focused on building a functional and credible institution while delivering improvements across system operations and planning.
Among the key milestones highlighted was the establishment of governance structures and strengthened coordination across the electricity value chain, alongside efforts to build a performance-driven organisational culture.
The agency also prioritised staff welfare and human capital development through training programmes, improved working conditions, and enhanced internal communication aimed at boosting morale and productivity.
On the technical front, NISO reported progress in enhancing grid visibility and operational control. This includes accelerated implementation of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition/Energy Management System (SCADA/EMS) and advanced deployment of telemetry systems across electricity trading points to enable real-time monitoring and decision-making.
Efforts to improve grid stability and system reliability were also emphasised. The CEO disclosed that NISO has advanced the implementation of Free Governor Mode Operation to enhance frequency response, strengthened protection coordination, and initiated measures to reduce transmission losses.
In the electricity market, the organisation said it has improved compliance monitoring, strengthened coordination among market participants, and upgraded systems to support real-time operations, efficient settlements, and data transparency.
NISO also recorded progress in system planning, including contributions to the Integrated Resource Plan, submission of a revised Transmission Expansion Plan, and development of frameworks for renewable energy integration and battery energy storage systems.
The agency further strengthened stakeholder engagement, working closely with government institutions, regulators, generation companies, and development partners such as the World Bank to address sector challenges.
At the regional level, NISO announced successful trial synchronisation with the West African Power Pool, positioning Nigeria for increased cross-border electricity trade and deeper market integration.
Despite these achievements, the CEO acknowledged ongoing challenges, including market liquidity constraints, infrastructure limitations, compliance gaps, and difficulties associated with renewable energy integration.
Looking ahead, he said NISO’s focus in its second year would be on deepening grid visibility, improving system resilience, enhancing market efficiency, and advancing energy transition initiatives.
“Our success will ultimately be measured by a stable grid, a credible market, and strong investor confidence,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to staff, the Federal Government, regulators, and industry stakeholders for their support, adding that NISO remains committed to delivering value to Nigeria’s power sector.
“The journey has only just begun. With sustained commitment and collaboration, we will continue to build an institution that powers Nigeria’s future,” he stated.
