The Federal Government has expressed confidence that improved management of the national electricity grid by the newly operational Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) could boost power supply to 8,000 megawatts within the next 12 to 18 months.
Speaking during a leadership retreat in Abuja to inaugurate NISO’s top management, Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Ayodeji Gbeleyi, highlighted the significant gap between Nigeria’s installed generation capacity—over 14,000MW—and actual daily output, which currently averages around 5,500MW.
Gbeleyi emphasized that efficient grid operations and increased investment in transmission and distribution infrastructure are key to closing that gap. As an independent entity, NISO now bears the responsibility of managing the grid with impartiality and professionalism,” he said. “It must ensure non-discriminatory access, transparent dispatch coordination, and credible market settlements—free from political or commercial interference.”
According to him, a 50% increase in electricity supply is achievable within 12 to 18 months if grid resilience and infrastructure investment are prioritized.
He also revealed that the Federal Government has secured a $500 million loan from the World Bank to upgrade distribution networks. Under this initiative, 3.2 million electricity meters will be rolled out nationwide, with an additional 2–3 million meters to be provided through a separate presidential initiative.
Chairman of the NISO Board, Dr. Adesegun Akin-Olugbade, underscored the importance of NISO’s independence following its separation from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). NISO isn’t just a new agency—it reflects a new model: an independent system operator, a neutral market coordinator, and a strategic planning authority,” he said. “Our duties—from real-time grid operations to long-term system planning—are central to national development. When power fails, every sector feels the impact—industry, health, education, even national security.”
NISO Managing Director and CEO, Engr. Abdu Bello, echoed the optimism, saying the 8,000MW target is within reach. We must get our internal processes right, stay focused, and attract private sector investment. This retreat is part of our strategic foundation. With commitment and clarity of purpose, the goal is attainable,” he stated.