The federal government is hopeful that better handling of the national power grid by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) may increase electricity generation to 8,000 megawatts in the coming 12 to 18 months.
At a leadership retreat held in Abuja to integrate NISO's senior management, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Ayodeji Gbeleyi, stated that while the nation's maximum (nameplate) capacity surpasses 14,000MW, real-time generation has remained approximately 5,500MW.
Gbeleyi mentioned that through better grid management and higher funding for transmission and distribution systems, the energy sector is set to make substantial progress in power supply in the coming months.
As an autonomous organization, NISO now bears the significant duty of overseeing the national grid with fairness and honesty. To this end, it must ensure equal access, effective coordination of dispatch, and equitable market settlements, without being swayed by external pressures or conflicts of interest.
Currently, we have approximately 5,500MW of power being transmitted on a daily basis. In contrast, the total nameplate generation capacity in the country exceeds 14,000MW. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that within the next 12 to 18 months, we can boost this 5,500MW by at least 50%, as the necessary generation capacity is available. If grid capacity can be expanded and resilience is incorporated, it is likely that distribution infrastructure will also be upgraded accordingly.
The Nigerian federal government has secured a loan of approximately $500 million from the World Bank to support the enhancement of the distribution infrastructure network. In this context, we plan to supply 3.2 million meters for Nigeria. Additionally, through the presidential initiative, we will provide an extra 2 to 3 million meters.
The chairman of the NISO Board, Dr. Adesegun Akin-Olugbade, stated that following its separation from the Transmission Company of Nigeria, NISO needs to collaborate with other players in the energy sector to provide better services to Nigerians.
"NISO is more than just a new organization. It represents a fresh concept. An independent system operator. A truly impartial market coordinator. A genuinely strategic planning authority. We are accountable for real-time grid management, long-term system planning, and the coordination and growth of the electricity market. These are not minor roles, but fundamental components. Because when electricity is lost, everything else—industry, healthcare, education, even security—faces challenges," he mentioned.
Addressing reporters, the Managing Director/CEO of NISO, Engr. Abdu Bello, stated that the goal can be met within the specified period.
"It is a goal that can be reached. We need to organize ourselves and our affairs by ensuring we remain focused and also draw in investment from the private sector. I think if we manage to do this, considering this retreat, which is part of the strategy to maintain our concentration. We will have a clear path, a strategic plan, and steps moving ahead. So, it is attainable," he added.
From his side, Executive Director of Portfolio Management at the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, Mr. Tajudeen Ahmed stated that as a shareholder in NISO, MOFI would provide full support to the new organization to ensure it fulfills its objectives.
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