From David Onuoja, Abuja
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, while creating a more productive, inclusive and supportive working system for its employees.
Engr. Abdu Mohammed, who is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, stated this during a town hall meeting with staff, where he outlined the organisation’s achievements, ongoing reforms and management priorities.
He described the town hall meeting 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.
Mohammed also cited the successful synchronisation test conducted by NISO, involving Nigeria and 14 other African countries, as a significant technical milestone.
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He further highlighted on the investments in some 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 for staff, 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.
NISO boss acknowledged concerns around workplace relationships, communication and management styles, and called on both management and staff to contribute to have a healthy organisational culture where concerns can be raised constructively and without intimidation.
Speaking on the market operations, he said NISO was taking deliberate steps to strengthen the efficiency, stability and financial sustainability of the electricity market. Referencing the recent engagements and public hearings which involved 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.
The MD said that 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.
