Abuja, December 26, 2025 – In a comprehensive end-of-year address, Mr. Abdul Mohammed, Managing Director of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), has restated the organization’s foundational commitment to constructing a resilient, flexible, and future-ready national electricity grid. This vision is central to powering Nigeria’s sustainable economic ambitions and industrial growth.
Established in April 2025, NISO operates as the neutral manager of Nigeria’s national electricity grid, a critical role previously held by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). Its mandate is to ensure fair, reliable, and efficient grid operations, a cornerstone for attracting investment and integrating renewable energy sources.
Building on a Foundation of Early Progress
Mohammed highlighted that NISO has taken “the first meaningful steps” in operationalizing its complex mandate. Despite being in a start-up phase, the organization has recorded early progress in several key areas:
- Grid Operations & Stability: Noting a tangible improvement in grid stability compared to previous years, with fewer disturbances and more effective management of system events. This is attributed to the professionalism of system operators and enhanced coordination with market participants.
- Regional Integration: Achieving a landmark four-hour real-time synchronization with the West African Power Pool (WAPP) grid. This historic milestone unlocks potential for regional power trade, enhances collective energy security, and positions Nigeria as a central player in West African electricity cooperation.
- Digital Transformation: Beginning the deployment of modern tools and digital initiatives to improve real-time grid visibility, coordination, and long-term planning processes.
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The Human Element: Staff as the Institutional Backbone
Beyond technical metrics, Mohammed emphasized that “people are the backbone of this institution.” He outlined a conscious management focus on staff development, welfare, and industrial harmony, with progress in training, promotions, incentives, and constructive labour engagement. This people-first approach, he stated, reflects a commitment to fairness, transparency, and mutual respect—essential values for a new national institution navigating change.
A Collective Endeavor for National Development
The MD framed NISO’s mission as a “collective endeavour,” extending gratitude to a wide range of stakeholders including the Ministry of Power, NERC, BPE, MOFI, the NISO Board, development partners, and all market participants. Their cooperation, he noted, made 2025 a “year of remarkable transformation.”
The Road Ahead: Consolidation and Capacity Building
Looking toward 2026, Mohammed stated the focus will be on consolidation. The strategic priorities include:
- Strengthening core grid operations and system resilience.
- Building institutional and staff capacity.
- Improving operational and administrative systems.
- Fostering an enabling work environment for professional growth.
- Advancing the integration of renewable energy sources, which is crucial for a “future-ready” grid.
“NISO is on the move and this journey must be taken together,” Mohammed concluded, expressing confidence that through unity, discipline, and trust, the organization will build a stronger, smarter, and more reliable electricity sector for Nigeria. The path forward underscores that a modern grid is not just about infrastructure, but about robust institutions, skilled people, and collaborative governance.
Source: NAN News. Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa.
