The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, says the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, is intensifying efforts to eliminate recurring grid collapses and strengthen the nation’s power grid.
Adelabu made the disclosure in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday while answering questions from journalists during the maiden NISO Management Retreat 2025 themed “NISO on the Move.” He was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alh. Muhammadu Mamman.
According to him, the Tinubu administration began introducing new approaches from the onset to improve grid reliability and curb power outages nationwide. He added that the establishment of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) was one of the government’s strategic steps to drive reforms in the power sector.
Nigeria’s power grid has suffered repeated collapses over the years due to outdated and poorly maintained infrastructure, inadequate funding, and vandalism — factors that often plunge the country into blackouts and push citizens and businesses to rely on costly generators.
However, Adelabu noted, “Since the commencement of this administration as everybody knows, things have been going on differently. The creation of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) itself is something that government is doing differently to ensure grid stabilization, reduction in power outages and ensure that every Nigerian has access to electricity.
“This maiden edition of NISO retreat is an avenue for them to dialogue and ensure that they are doing things differently, unlike the way it was being done before and that’s why we are here to support them to ensure that they succeed as an organization and make sure that the country gets adequate and stable power supply.”
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of NISO’s Board of Directors, Dr. Adesegun Akin-Olugbade, praised the commitment of the organisation’s staff, saying their dedication made possible the successful synchronisation of Nigeria’s grid with the West African Power Pool (WAPP).
He said, “From the very beginning, NISO has been about people: the men and women who keep the grid stable, who ensure the market runs fairly, and who represent Nigeria with excellence in regional and international cooperation.
“It is because of your dedication that NISO is earning its place as a strong, credible, and forward-looking institution in the Nigerian power sector.
“Your efforts achieved what many considered impossible the successful synchronisation of the Nigerian grid with the West African Power Pool (WAPP). Through strengthened coordination, transparent communication, and the professionalism of our system operators, Nigeria’s grid together with Niger and parts of Benin and Togo was synchronised with the rest of West Africa, from Nigeria to Mauritania, operating seamlessly at a single frequency for four uninterrupted hours.”
NISO Managing Director, Abdul Mohammed, explained that the organisation was designed to support government efforts by drawing private sector participation and improving returns on existing investments in the power value chain.
Addressing concerns over why large investments in the sector have not translated into stable electricity, he described the industry as heavily capital-intensive, noting that funding has consistently fallen short.
His words: “First and foremost, we have to understand that the power business is extremely capital-intensive. If you look at other jurisdictions where they have their power right, find out how much they have spent on an annual basis–a lot of money.
“We haven’t really spent so much as we should to really make the grid reliable, that is why NISO has been created. We are complementing what the government is doing by attracting the private sector, so it’s very important and we are doing everything possible to optimise the existing investment so there will be improvement going forward.”
In his remarks, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, represented by the Commissioner of Power, Iniobong Robson, commended NISO for its progress, saying the organisation has shown clarity and discipline in carrying out its mandate since inception.
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