NISO Unveils Fresh Push for Grid Stability, Market Discipline, Staff Welfare
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has unveiled a broad reform drive aimed at strengthening National Grid stability, improving electricity market liquidity and discipline, and enhancing staff welfare and workplace productivity.
The development was disclosed by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NISO, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, FNSE, during a town hall meeting with staff, where he outlined the organisation’s achievements, ongoing reforms and key management priorities.
Mohammed said NISO was committed to maintaining the integrity of the National Grid and improving system reliability and stability, describing the town hall as an important platform for open and constructive engagement between management and employees.
He cited the successful synchronisation test conducted by NISO involving Nigeria and 14 other African countries as a significant technical milestone for the organisation.
According to him, NISO is also investing in critical system infrastructure and advanced technology to strengthen its ability to monitor and manage the electricity system in real time.
The investments include the construction of ultra-modern National Control Centres in Osogbo, Osun State, and Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory, as well as the deployment of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Energy Management System (EMS), Automatic Generation Control (AGC), telemetry and Internet of Things (IoT)-based monitoring systems.
Mohammed said the initiatives would enhance real-time grid visibility, system control and operational efficiency, while improving NISO’s capacity to identify and respond to emerging challenges.
He cited the detection of anomalies along the Shagamu–Ikorodu transmission corridor through IoT-based monitoring as evidence of the benefits of improved system visibility, noting that investigations into the corridor were still ongoing.
NISO Prioritises Staff Welfare
On employee welfare, the NISO chief disclosed that the organisation had secured approval for a Conditions of Service, describing it as a significant institutional framework for addressing staff-related matters.
He stressed that staff welfare should not be measured solely by salaries and allowances, but should also encompass conducive workplace conditions, professional development, career progression, recognition, fairness and effective communication.
“Welfare goes beyond salaries and allowances,” Mohammed said, stressing the importance of creating a supportive environment where employees can develop professionally and contribute effectively to the organisation.
He acknowledged concerns surrounding workplace relationships, communication and management styles, and urged both management and staff to work towards building a healthier organisational culture.
According to him, employees should be able to raise concerns constructively and without intimidation, while management must remain open to dialogue and responsive to legitimate concerns.
Market Discipline, Compliance Top Agenda
On electricity market operations, Mohammed said NISO was taking deliberate measures to strengthen the efficiency, stability and financial sustainability of the market.
He referred to recent engagements and public hearings involving electricity distribution companies over outstanding market obligations, stressing that all market participants must fulfil their financial and operational responsibilities.
The NISO boss also reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to enforcing the Grid Code and Market Rules, noting that compliance and accountability were essential to building a healthy and sustainable electricity market.
“A healthy and sustainable electricity market depends on compliance, accountability and the fulfilment of obligations by all participants,” he said.
Mohammed said improved market discipline would contribute to greater liquidity and strengthen confidence in the electricity market.
NISO Develops Independent Transmission Expansion Plan
On system planning, the NISO MD/CEO disclosed that the organisation had independently developed a Transmission Expansion Plan which was being benchmarked against international standards to ensure alignment with global best practices.
He added that NISO was engaging state electricity markets and regulators to strengthen coordination and support the development of more stable electricity markets across the country.
Mohammed said the various initiatives formed part of a broader strategy to improve grid stability, strengthen market discipline and liquidity, and reposition NISO as a data-driven and technology-enabled system operator and market administrator.
He said management would continue to pursue reforms that combine investments in technology and infrastructure with stronger market governance and improved employee welfare to deliver a more reliable and sustainable electricity system.
