The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the reliability and stability of the National Grid, improving discipline and liquidity in the electricity market, and promoting a productive and supportive workplace for its employees.

‎The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NISO, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, FNSE, stated this during a town hall meeting with staff, where he outlined the organisation’s achievements, ongoing reforms and management priorities.

‎Mohammed described the town hall as an important platform for open and constructive engagement between management and staff. He highlighted NISO’s progress in maintaining the integrity of the National Grid and improving system reliability, including a successful synchronisation test involving Nigeria and 14 other African countries.

He also highlighted investments in critical infrastructure and technology, including the construction of ultra-modern National Control Centres in Osogbo, Osun State, and Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory. Other initiatives include the deployment of SCADA, Energy Management System, Automatic Generation Control, telemetry and IoT-based monitoring systems.

According to him, the investments are expected to improve real-time grid visibility, system control and operational efficiency, while strengthening NISO’s ability to detect emerging challenges. He cited the detection of anomalies along the Shagamu–Ikorodu transmission corridor through IoT-based monitoring as an example, noting that investigations into the corridor are ongoing.

On staff welfare, Mohammed disclosed that NISO had secured approval for a Conditions of Service, describing it as an important framework for staff-related matters. He said staff welfare extends beyond salaries and allowances to include workplace conditions, professional development, career progression, recognition, fairness and effective communication.

‎The NISO chief also acknowledged concerns relating to workplace relationships, communication and management styles, urging both management and staff to contribute to a healthy organisational culture where concerns can be raised constructively and without intimidation. On market operations, he said NISO was taking deliberate steps to improve the efficiency, stability and financial sustainability of the electricity market, including engagements with electricity distribution companies over outstanding market obligations.

‎Mohammed further emphasised the enforcement of the Grid Code and Market Rules, stressing that a sustainable electricity market requires compliance and accountability from all participants. He added that NISO had independently developed a Transmission Expansion Plan, which is being benchmarked against international standards, while engagements with state electricity markets and regulators are ongoing to strengthen coordination and support more stable electricity markets.