…Banks on technology to boost grid stability
The Managing Director of the National Independent System Operator, Engr. Abdu Mohammed Bello, has disclosed that the agency has reduced the Transmission Loss Factor to about 7.5 per cent, marking a significant shift in the efficiency of Nigeria’s power transmission network.
Speaking at a press briefing to commemorate NISO’s first anniversary, Bello explained that the intervention tackles a long-standing leakage point that had been costing the electricity sector billions of naira each month, while reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to meeting the stringent benchmarks set by industry regulators.
A key driver of this operational overhaul is the accelerated rollout of the SCADA/EMS project, an advanced grid monitoring and control system designed to address persistent visibility gaps that have historically undermined the national network. Bello noted that the system is expected to improve real-time oversight and strengthen decision-making across the grid.
He further disclosed that NISO has reached an advanced phase in deploying a telemetry trading system, while also incorporating Internet of Things technology to enhance data acquisition and system responsiveness. These upgrades, he added, are being complemented by grid islanding schemes and improved protection coordination with Generation Companies, measures intended to strengthen resilience and reduce the risk of widespread system collapses.
Beyond improving domestic grid stability, the agency is also pursuing a broader ambition of regional energy integration. Bello pointed to the successful trial synchronisation with the West African Power Pool in November 2025 as a defining development for the country’s power sector.
He explained that the interconnection is expected to position Nigeria as a key player in cross-border electricity trade, thereby opening new streams of foreign exchange earnings. Revenue generated from such transactions, he said, would be channelled back into local infrastructure, creating a reinforcing cycle of investment and growth within the economy.
Bello also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, acknowledging their roles in providing the institutional backing that has supported NISO’s rapid progress.
While noting that the transformation process is still unfolding, he maintained that the structures now in place, built on accountability and operational discipline, provide a credible pathway towards improved system stability and stronger investor confidence in Nigeria’s power sector.