The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has unveiled plans to segment Nigeria’s national electricity grid as part of efforts to tackle persistent system collapses and improve power stability across the country.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in Abuja during the agency’s first anniversary celebration, marking one year since its establishment under the Electricity Act 2023.
Speaking at the event, NISO’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Bello, said the proposed “grid islanding” strategy would allow the power network to be divided into smaller, independent segments.
This, he explained, would prevent faults in one section from triggering widespread blackouts nationwide.
According to Bello, the move represents a major shift in Nigeria’s electricity management approach, aimed at improving resilience and ensuring continuity of supply in unaffected areas during disturbances.
“We believe that segmenting the grid into different islands will help isolate disturbances happening in one part, so they do not cascade to the rest of the system,” he said.
He noted that under the new approach, when disruptions occur, only the affected segment would be isolated, allowing other parts of the grid to continue functioning without interruption.
Over the past year, NISO has prioritised grid stability, market transparency, coordinated planning, and regional integration as part of efforts to reposition Nigeria’s power sector for sustainable growth.
Bello also disclosed that the agency is strengthening compliance with the “Free Governor Mode” among Generation Companies (GENCOS), a measure designed to improve frequency response and enhance overall grid stability.
However, he acknowledged that compliance remains inconsistent, adding that enforcement would be intensified.
In addition, NISO is working to address weak protection coordination across the grid by standardising relay settings, a step expected to reduce system disturbances significantly.
The agency is also accelerating the deployment of modern technologies, including the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition/Energy Management System (SCADA/EMS), as well as telemetry infrastructure across electricity trading points.
These systems are expected to transition grid management from manual processes to automated, data-driven operations.
Bello explained that the introduction of Internet of Things (IoT)-based monitoring devices across generation plants, substations, and transmission interfaces would provide real-time visibility of the grid, improving operational efficiency and decision-making.
READ ALSO: Nigeria’s Power Output Drops Below 4000MW Amid Gas Shortage — NISO
NISO added that these efforts align with directives from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), requiring Distribution Companies (DISCOS) to install monitoring systems on critical feeders to enhance coordination across the electricity value chain.
In the electricity market, the agency said it has improved compliance with market rules, enhanced coordination among stakeholders, and upgraded systems to support real-time operations and efficient settlement processes.
Bello further revealed that NISO is playing a key role in managing the interface between emerging state electricity markets and the national wholesale market, following recent reforms that allow subnational governments to regulate their own electricity systems.
On infrastructure development, the agency has supported the creation of an Integrated Resource Plan and submitted a revised Transmission Expansion Plan, while also advancing proposals for a “super grid” initiative to strengthen long-term capacity.
The CEO highlighted progress in reducing transmission losses, noting that losses have dropped from nearly 10 per cent to about 7 per cent, saving billions of naira monthly. He added that efforts are underway to reduce losses further to between 5 and 6 per cent.
At the regional level, Nigeria has also achieved trial synchronisation with the West African Power Pool, opening opportunities for cross-border electricity trade and improved energy security.
Despite these gains, Bello acknowledged ongoing challenges, including market liquidity constraints, infrastructure gaps, and compliance issues. He, however, expressed confidence that ongoing reforms and targeted interventions would address these concerns.
Looking ahead, he said NISO’s focus would be on delivering measurable improvements, particularly in grid stability, market efficiency, and investor confidence.
He added that the agency’s long-term success would ultimately be judged by three key outcomes: a stable national grid, a credible electricity market, and sustained investor trust in Nigeria’s power sector.