Thursday, July 17, 2025 - The Federal Government has expressed optimism that improved management of the national power grid by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) could increase electricity supply to 8,000 megawatts within the next 12 to 18 months.
Speaking at a leadership retreat to onboard NISO’s top
management in Abuja, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises
(BPE), Mr. Ayodeji Gbeleyi, noted that although Nigeria’s installed generation
capacity exceeds 14,000MW, actual daily output has hovered around 5,500MW.
Gbeleyi emphasized that with more efficient grid operations
and increased investments in transmission and distribution infrastructure, the
power sector is poised for substantial improvement.
“As an
independent entity, NISO now carries the critical responsibility of managing
the national grid with impartiality and integrity. It must ensure
non-discriminatory access, efficient dispatch coordination, and fair market
settlements—free from undue influence or conflicts of interest.
"Currently,
about 5,500MW of power is being wheeled daily, compared to a nameplate
generation capacity of over 14,000MW. With the right investments and enhanced
grid resilience, it is realistic to project a 50% increase in supply within 12
to 18 months,” he said.
Gbeleyi also revealed that the Federal Government has
secured a $500 million loan from the World Bank to support the upgrade of the
distribution infrastructure. Under this initiative, 3.2 million electricity
meters will be deployed across Nigeria, with an additional 2 to 3 million
meters to be provided through a separate presidential initiative.
Chairman of the NISO Board, Dr. Adesegun Akin-Olugbade,
stressed the significance of NISO's independence following its unbundling from
the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
“NISO is not
just a new institution; it represents a new approach—an independent system
operator, a neutral market coordinator, and a strategic planning authority. Our
responsibilities span real-time grid operations, long-term system planning, and
the development of the electricity market. These are not peripheral tasks—they
are core to national stability. When power fails, everything else suffers:
industry, healthcare, education, even security,” he said.
Also speaking, NISO Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Abdu Bello,
affirmed that the 8,000MW target is achievable within the projected timeframe.
“We must
stay focused, get our internal structures right, and attract private sector
investment. This retreat is part of the strategic planning process. With a
clear direction and commitment, the goal is within reach,” Bello stated.
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