TCN HANDS INTERIM POWER GRID CONTROL CENTRE TO NISO

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has formally handed over the Interim National Power Grid Control Centre to the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), marking a significant milestone in the ongoing power sector reforms.

The handover ceremony took place on Friday in Abuja, with representatives from the Federal Ministry of Power, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and other key stakeholders in attendance. The move is in line with the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023, which mandates the establishment of an independent system operator to enhance efficiency and transparency in grid management.

TCN Managing Director, Mr. Usman Mohammed, described the transition as a critical step towards unbundling the transmission segment and improving overall system reliability. “The creation of NISO will allow for better coordination, real-time monitoring, and faster response to grid challenges. We are confident that this will lead to improved power supply to Nigerians,” Mohammed stated.

The Nigerian Independent System Operator, now fully operational, will be responsible for managing the national power grid, ensuring non-discriminatory access, and maintaining system stability. NISO’s leadership has pledged to work closely with all market participants to optimise grid performance and support the government’s electricity expansion goals.

Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, commended TCN for the smooth transition and urged NISO to prioritise technical competence and integrity in its operations. “This is a new chapter in our power sector journey. We expect NISO to drive innovation and efficiency that will ultimately benefit electricity consumers across the country,” Adelabu noted.

Stakeholders in the power value chain have welcomed the development, expressing hope that the independent operator will bring greater accountability and professionalism to grid management. The Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) and Generation Companies (GenCos) have pledged full cooperation with NISO to ensure seamless operations.

The handover is expected to accelerate ongoing projects aimed at expanding transmission capacity and reducing system losses. As Nigeria continues to pursue its energy transition and power sector reforms, the establishment of NISO is seen as a vital institutional strengthening measure.