Mr. Abdu Mohammed, the newly appointed Managing Director of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), has vowed to transform the country’s electricity sector by fostering coordination among industry players to improve power generation, transmission, and distribution. His commitment comes amid Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with electricity grid instability and power outages.
In 2024 alone, Nigeria experienced nine partial and full grid collapses, with one incident causing output to plummet to just 2,037.2 megawatts—highlighting the urgency of Mohammed’s mission. Speaking after the inauguration of NISO’s Board and Management in Abuja, Mohammed outlined plans to instill discipline, transparency, and order across the sector, emphasizing adherence to market rules and grid codes. “Our major role in the power industry is to bring the needed changes that will enhance availability, reliability, and quality of electricity supply,” he said.
Mohammed announced that he would visit the National Control Centre in Osogbo on April 9 to ensure alignment with the Electricity Act 2023, reinforcing the mandate of NISO as outlined in the amended legislation. He emphasized close engagement with generation companies, the Transmission Service Provider, distribution firms, and eligible customers to ensure a smooth and lawful electricity supply chain. The NISO Board, inaugurated by Vice President Kashim Shettima, includes 11 members led by Chairman Dr. Adesegun Akin-Olugbade, with Mohammed serving as Managing Director. The board is tasked with managing critical aspects of Nigeria’s electricity system, including grid stability, power dispatch, and market operations.
Mohammed pledged that the new leadership would drive lasting reforms to elevate Nigeria’s power sector to global standards. “It’s a journey,” he said. “And that journey begins today.”
