The newly appointed head of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has promised to revolutionize electricity coordination across the nation while ensuring strict adherence to regulatory frameworks by all stakeholders in the power sector.
Speaking yesterday during his inaugural address at the NISO headquarters in Abuja, the new Chief Executive Officer outlined his vision for transforming Nigeria’s power transmission landscape through improved coordination between generation companies, distribution firms, and the Transmission Company of Nigeria.
“My administration will prioritize seamless coordination among all players in the electricity value chain to ensure stable power supply to Nigerians,” he declared before an audience of power sector stakeholders, government officials, and industry experts. “The era of disjointed operations that result in system collapses and poor service delivery must become a thing of the past.”
The NISO chief identified regulatory compliance as a critical component of his reform agenda, emphasizing that enforcement of existing regulations would be non-negotiable under his leadership. “We cannot continue to operate in an environment where regulatory directives are treated as mere suggestions. Full compliance with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s guidelines will be strictly monitored and enforced,” he stressed.
Industry watchers have welcomed this development, noting that the power sector has long suffered from coordination challenges and regulatory violations that have undermined efforts to achieve stable electricity supply across the country.
“This focus on coordination and compliance is exactly what the sector needs,” said Engineer Abubakar Mohammed, an energy consultant with over two decades of experience in Nigeria’s power sector. “If properly implemented, these priorities could significantly reduce the frequency of system collapses and improve overall grid stability.”
The new NISO head also revealed plans to deploy advanced technology for real-time monitoring of the national grid, which would enhance the organization’s capacity to predict potential system failures and implement preemptive interventions.
“We will leverage cutting-edge technology to modernize our operations and bring Nigeria’s power transmission system to international standards,” he added, outlining proposals for smart grid technologies and automated load management systems.
Representatives from generation companies present at the event expressed support for the new leadership’s vision but emphasized the need for balanced enforcement that considers the complex challenges facing operators in the sector.
“While we welcome stronger coordination and compliance measures, we hope the new administration will also address the fundamental issues of liquidity and infrastructure deficiencies that plague the entire value chain,” remarked the spokesperson for the Association of Power Generation Companies.
The Minister of Power, who graced the occasion, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting NISO’s reform initiatives, describing the appointment as “strategic to achieving the administration’s goals for the power sector.”
As the new chief settles into office, electricity consumers across Nigeria remain cautiously optimistic that his leadership might finally deliver the long-awaited improvements to the country’s erratic power supply situation.
“We’ve heard promises before,” said Josephine Okafor, President of the Electricity Consumers Association. “What Nigerians need now is action that translates to stable power in our homes and businesses. We will hold the new NISO leadership accountable to their words.”
