The House of Representatives Committee on Power, led by its Chairman, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Nwokolo Victor Onyemaechi, has urged electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) with outstanding market obligations to take urgent steps to clear their debts.

On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, the committee paid an oversight visit to the headquarters of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) in Utako, Abuja, where members witnessed a public hearing on the outstanding market obligations of DisCos.

The hearing, chaired by NISO’s Executive Director, Market Operations, Engr. Dr. Edmond Eje, focused on the obligations of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), as part of NISO’s ongoing engagements with selected DisCos over outstanding debts, Events of Default and other compliance matters in the electricity market.

‎Speaking during the hearing, Onyemaechi said improved liquidity was critical to strengthening the electricity market and ensuring the sustainability of Nigeria’s power sector. He expressed concern over the accumulation of market debts and warned that prolonged failure to meet financial obligations could undermine the stability of the market.

The affected DisCos include Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), IBEDC, Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC), Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO), Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) and Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).

‎Onyemaechi called on IBEDC and other indebted DisCos to make every effort within their capacity to settle their outstanding obligations and comply with the rules governing the electricity market. He said resolving the debts would help improve the financial position and sustainability of the sector.

‎Following the hearing, the committee held a scheduled oversight engagement with NISO management. NISO Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, briefed the lawmakers on the organisation’s mandate, its development since its establishment and its five-year plan for strengthening system operations, market operations, system planning and coordination of Nigeria’s power system.

Mohammed said NISO’s establishment was a key outcome of reforms under the Electricity Act 2023, which provided for the unbundling of the Transmission Company of Nigeria and the creation of an independent System Operator.

He stressed the need for sustained collaboration among the National Assembly, NISO and other industry stakeholders to address the sector’s structural and financial challenges, improve market liquidity, stabilise the national grid and support more reliable electricity supply.