Minister says creation of NISO marks a new phase in Nigeria’s push for reliable electricity nationwide
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, says the Federal Government is taking decisive steps to end Nigeria’s recurring national grid collapses and deliver a more stable and reliable electricity supply.
Adelabu stated this on Friday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while addressing journalists at the maiden retreat of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) themed “NISO on the Move.”
The minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Muhammadu Mamman, said President Bola Tinubu’s administration came into office with a commitment to “do things differently” to stabilise the power grid and reduce the prolonged outages that have plagued the nation.
According to him, the establishment of NISO is one of the key reforms introduced to strengthen grid management and modernise the sector.
Nigeria has suffered frequent national grid collapses over the years, triggered by ageing infrastructure, funding gaps, vandalism, and poor maintenance — challenges that have forced homes and businesses to rely heavily on costly backup power sources.
Adelabu noted that the new administration is working to reverse this trend.
“Since this administration came on board, everyone can see that things are being done differently. The creation of NISO itself represents a major step toward grid stabilisation, reducing power outages and ensuring that Nigerians get reliable electricity,” he said.
“This maiden NISO retreat is an opportunity for the operators to reassess strategies and chart a new course. We are here to support them because the goal is a stable and adequate power supply for every Nigerian.”
NISO hailed for WAPP synchronisation milestone
In his remarks, the Chairman of NISO’s Board of Directors, Adesegun Akin-Olugbade, praised the dedication of the agency’s personnel, noting that their professionalism made possible the recent landmark synchronisation of Nigeria’s grid with the West African Power Pool (WAPP).
“NISO has always been about the people, the professionals who keep the grid stable and represent Nigeria effectively at home and abroad,” he said.
“Your efforts achieved what many thought impossible: synchronising Nigeria’s grid with Niger, and parts of Benin and Togo, seamlessly operating with the rest of West Africa at a single frequency for four uninterrupted hours.”
NISO MD: Power sector investment still insufficient
Also speaking, the Managing Director of NISO, Abdul Mohammed, said the organisation was created to complement government efforts by attracting private investment and maximising existing resources in the sector.
He explained that despite significant spending, investment levels are still far below what is required to guarantee steady power supply.
“The power business is extremely capital-intensive. In countries where electricity is stable, huge sums are invested annually,” Mohammed said.
“We simply have not invested enough to make the grid truly reliable. That is why NISO is working with the private sector to close that gap and improve performance going forward.”
Akwa Ibom commends NISO’s progress
Representing Governor Umo Eno, the state’s Commissioner for Power, Iniobong Robson, commended NISO for its achievements so far, noting that the agency has demonstrated discipline and clarity of purpose since its establishment.
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