In a bold move to address the persistent power supply challenges plaguing our nation, Governor Mohammed Shittama yesterday inaugurated a new governing board for the National Independent System Operator (NISO), tasking them with stabilizing the national power grid and ensuring reliable electricity distribution across all regions.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Government House, Governor Shittama emphasized that the new board comprises seasoned professionals with extensive experience in power generation, transmission, and distribution systems. The time for excuses is over. Our citizens deserve reliable electricity, and this new board has been carefully selected to deliver exactly that, the Governor stated.
The newly appointed NISO board, headed by Engineer Aisha Bello, a renowned electrical engineer with over twenty years of experience in the power sector, is expected to implement innovative solutions to prevent the frequent grid collapses that have become all too common in recent months. Other members include Dr. Chukwuma Okafor, Professor Ibrahim Mohammed, Mrs. Elizabeth Adeyemi, and Alhaji Suleiman Danjuma.
In her acceptance speech, Engineer Bello outlined the board’s immediate priorities, which include upgrading outdated transmission infrastructure, implementing smart grid technologies, and establishing more efficient load management protocols. We understand the enormous responsibility placed on our shoulders, and we are committed to delivering tangible results within the shortest possible time, she assured.
Industry analysts have praised the Governor’s decision, noting that the new board’s diverse expertise could potentially transform the power sector. According to energy consultant, Yusuf Maitama, The combination of technical knowledge and administrative experience in this board gives me hope that we might finally see an end to our erratic power supply situation.
The newly constituted board faces significant challenges, including addressing the ₦1.5 trillion debt owed to generation companies, managing the aging transmission infrastructure, and improving the coordination between various stakeholders in the electricity value chain.
Governor Shittama also revealed that his administration has secured funding from international partners to support the modernization of the power grid. We have commitments from development partners who are ready to support our efforts with both technical expertise and financial resources, he disclosed.
Community leaders from various local government areas have expressed cautious optimism about the new development. Chief Obinna Nwosu from Owerri North stated, We have heard promises before, but the caliber of people on this board gives us reason to believe that this time might be different.
The board is expected to present its comprehensive action plan within thirty days, detailing specific interventions and timelines for implementation. As citizens continue to grapple with power outages that affect businesses and households alike, all eyes will be on the new NISO board to deliver on its mandate of ensuring stable and reliable electricity supply throughout the nation.
