Nigerian System Operator Records Grid Stability, Synchronisation In 9 Months, Eyes 2026 Gains

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has marked significant strides in grid stability and regional synchronisation within its first nine months of operation, setting the stage for greater gains in 2026, its managing director, Abdu Bello Mohammed, stated on Friday.

NISO’s managing director/CEO, Engr Mohammed, delivering the institution’s inaugural year-end message, reflected on operational progress despite startup hurdles.

He highlighted NISO’s rapid progress since its establishment in April.

Recall that NISO was launched in April 2025 amid Nigeria’s chronic power sector challenges.

“Together, we have taken the first meaningful steps in operationalising our mandate. We recorded early progress in grid operations, strengthened regional cooperation, and began deploying modern tools to improve system visibility and coordination,” he stated, crediting staff resilience amid a startup environment.

A landmark achievement was Nigeria’s historic real-time synchronization with the West African Power Pool (WAPP) grid. “For the first time, Nigeria’s power system successfully operated in real-time synchronisation with the broader West African regional grid for four uninterrupted hours. This landmark achievement unlocks new opportunities for regional power trade, enhances collective energy security, and positions Nigeria at the centre of regional electricity cooperation,” Mohammed noted.

According to him, grid stability also improved noticeably despite ongoing constraints.

“Compared to previous years, disturbances were fewer and more effectively managed. This improvement is a direct reflection of the professionalism, vigilance, and commitment of our system operators, improved coordination with market participants and stakeholders,” he added.

These gains included expanded grid visibility through digital tools and advanced planning for national development.

Mohammed noted that “Building a new national institution is never easy. It requires patience, adaptability, and a shared sense of purpose,” he began, commending staff for demonstrating “professionalism, resilience, and dedication—often while navigating change and uncertainty.”

NISO’s mandate focuses on independent system operations, grid coordination, and market facilitation—roles previously muddled under the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

In its debut period, the operator recorded “early progress in grid operations, strengthened regional cooperation, and began deploying modern tools to improve system visibility and coordination,” Mohammed stated. These included digital initiatives expanding grid monitoring, which he said supported “advanced planning processes that support long-term national development.

“A standout achievement was enhanced grid stability.

“Despite operating under familiar system constraints, the grid experienced a noticeable improvement in stability during the year.

Compared to previous years, disturbances were fewer and more effectively managed,” the MD noted.

While exact figures weren’t disclosed, he attributed this to “the professionalism, vigilance, and commitment of our system operators, improved coordination with market participants and stakeholders.”

Industry analysts interpret this as a potential 20-30 per cent drop in outage frequency based on preliminary TCN-NISO transition data, though official metrics await Q4 reporting.

The year’s pinnacle was Nigeria’s first real-time grid synchronisation with the West African Power Pool (WAPP). “For the first time, Nigeria’s power system successfully operated in real-time synchronisation with the broader West African regional grid for four uninterrupted hours,” Mohammed announced.

This April-November 2025 feat—spanning NISO’s full operational lifecycle—marks a breakthrough for the 14-nation WAPP, which aims for 1,000MW+ cross-border trade by 2030.

“This landmark achievement unlocks new opportunities for regional power trade, enhances collective energy security, and positions Nigeria at the centre of regional electricity cooperation,” he emphasised.

Previously, Nigeria’s grid operated in isolation, limiting imports from neighbours like Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire amid domestic shortfalls averaging 4,000MW daily generation against 13,000MW demand.

Beyond technical wins, NISO said it prioritised human capital. “Throughout the year, priority was given to staff development, welfare, and industrial harmony. Progress recorded in training, promotions, incentives, welfare support, and constructive engagement with Labour reflects our commitment to fairness, transparency, and mutual respect,” Mohammed said.

He assured ongoing dialogue: “Where challenges exist, we remain committed to open dialogue, continuous improvement, and shared problem-solving.”

The managing director gratitude extended gratitude to key enablers including the Ministry of Power, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), NISO’s Board, and development partners.

“I sincerely thank Ministry of Power,, NERC, BPE, MOFI and NISO ‘s board for the contributions to laying the foundation of NISO,” he added, crediting their role in a “purposeful transition” via “collective effort, collaboration, coordination and professionalism.”

Looking ahead, NISO targets consolidation. “As we look ahead to 2026, our focus will be on consolidating what we have started—strengthening operations, building capacity, improving systems, and creating an enabling work environment where staff can grow professionally and contribute meaningfully to national development,” the MD outlined in his speech.

Ambitions include a “resilient, flexible, and future-ready grid—one capable of supporting increased renewable energy integration, driving industrial growth, and powering Nigeria’s sustainable economic future.”

With Nigeria’s renewables pipeline at 2,000MW by 2026 (per NERC targets), NISO eyes advanced forecasting and flexibility markets.”NISO is not just an institution; it is a collective endeavour. The journey ahead will require unity, discipline, and trust,” Mohammed concluded. “NISO is on the move—and this journey must be taken together. Together, we are building a stronger, smarter, and more reliable electricity sector.”