The Nigerian Independent System Operator, NISO, on Monday, August 10, 2026, hosted the management of the Gombe State Electricity Regulatory Commission, GOSERC, at its corporate headquarters in Utako, Abuja. The meeting focused on building synergy to improve electricity supply and market development in Gombe State.

Welcoming the delegation, NISO’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, FNSE, congratulated GOSERC members on their appointments and commended Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for being the first in the North East to establish a state electricity regulatory commission. He described the move as a reflection of the governor’s commitment to electricity infrastructure.

‎Engr. Mohammed said Gombe, as a commercial hub in the North East, presents strong opportunities for collaboration. He assured GOSERC of NISO’s 100% support in developing market frameworks and sound business models that will enable the state to access more power. He noted that the governor’s industrial park initiative also requires increased electricity supply to drive economic activity.

The NISO boss urged GOSERC to treat Sabana, the utility company licensed to distribute power in the state, as a partner rather than a rival. He emphasized that stronger collaboration with the distribution company will boost revenue generation for the state’s electricity market. He also highlighted Gombe’s potential in power generation, citing its coal reserves as a key resource.

Chairman of GOSERC, Dr. Usman Abba Arabi, said the visit was to explore ways to improve power supply in the state. He noted that while Gombe currently receives only 30MW, its actual requirement is up to 200MW. He added that about 30 mini-grids are being developed in the state, but collaboration with NISO is needed to ensure a smooth transition and grid integration.

NISO’s Executive Director, Market Operations, Engr. Dr. Edmond Eje, advised the state regulator to ensure that all licensed distribution companies operating in Gombe register with NISO as market participants, since they will interface with the national grid. The Executive Director, Finance and Corporate Services, Mr. Babajide Ibironke, also reaffirmed NISO’s open-door policy and commitment to working with subnational regulators.

Engr. Mohammed further assured GOSERC that NISO is ready to provide on-the-job training in various aspects of the electricity sector. He said although NISO functions as a quasi-regulator, it remains actively engaged in supporting state regulators nationwide to improve overall electricity supply and market efficiency.