Nigeria’s Power Grid Shows Signs of Stability in 2025 as NISO Records Fewer Disturbances, Marks Strong First Year After Unbundling

Nigeria’s long-troubled national electricity grid recorded a notable improvement in operational stability in 2025, with fewer system disturbances and faster restoration of supply, according to the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO).

The improvement, which comes despite enduring structural weaknesses in the power sector, signals a cautious but significant shift in grid management following the creation of NISO as an independent entity after the unbundling of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NISO, Abdu Bello Mohammed, disclosed this in his end-of-year message to stakeholders, where he highlighted enhanced operational control, stronger coordination across the electricity value chain, and improved professionalism among system operators as key factors behind the gains recorded during the year.

Fewer Disturbances, Better Response

According to Mohammed, grid disturbances in 2025 were not only fewer in number when compared to previous years, but were also managed more efficiently, with quicker response times and improved containment of disruptions when incidents occurred.

“Despite operating under familiar system constraints, the grid experienced a noticeable improvement in stability during the year. Compared to previous years, disturbances were fewer and more effectively managed,” he said.

Nigeria’s electricity grid has historically been plagued by frequent collapses—both total and partial—often attributed to ageing infrastructure, weak system coordination, generation shortfalls, transmission bottlenecks, and limited real-time visibility across the network. These challenges have undermined public confidence and constrained economic productivity.

The relative improvement recorded in 2025 therefore marks a significant departure from past trends and suggests early benefits from ongoing sector reforms.

First Full Year of Operations for NISO

The year 2025 also marked a major institutional milestone for NISO, being its first full year of operations following its establishment in April 2025. The organisation emerged from the restructuring of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, with a mandate to independently manage grid operations, ensure neutrality, enhance transparency, and improve system reliability.

Mohammed described the year as one of “purposeful transition,” acknowledging the complexities involved in building a new national institution while maintaining uninterrupted grid operations.

“Building a new organisation from the ground up comes with its own challenges. However, the early progress we have recorded is encouraging and demonstrates what is possible with focus, professionalism and teamwork,” he said.

Strengthening Operations and Regional Cooperation

Within its start-up environment, NISO recorded early successes across several operational fronts. These include improvements in grid coordination, enhanced engagement with market participants, and steps toward deploying modern tools to improve system visibility and planning.

“Together, we have taken the first meaningful steps in operationalising our mandate. We recorded early progress in grid operations, strengthened regional cooperation, and began deploying modern tools to improve system visibility and coordination,” Mohammed noted.

One of the most significant achievements of the year was Nigeria’s historic regional grid synchronisation under the West African Power Pool (WAPP). During the exercise, Nigeria’s power system successfully operated in real-time synchronisation with the broader regional grid for four uninterrupted hours.

Mohammed described the development as a landmark moment that places Nigeria at the centre of regional electricity cooperation in West Africa.

“This milestone positions Nigeria as a key hub for regional electricity cooperation, opening opportunities for cross-border power trade, improved energy security, and more resilient regional power systems,” he said.

Energy experts have long argued that regional grid integration could help stabilise national systems, reduce reserve margins, and improve access to power across West Africa.

Digitalisation, Planning and Grid Visibility

Beyond operational performance, NISO also made progress in expanding grid visibility through digital initiatives and strengthening planning processes designed to support Nigeria’s long-term economic and energy development.

Improved system visibility—particularly real-time monitoring of generation, transmission, and load dynamics—is considered critical to preventing grid collapses and improving response to system stress.

Mohammed said these efforts would be deepened in the coming years as the organisation builds capacity and adopts more advanced technologies.

Focus on Staff Welfare and Industrial Harmony

The NISO chief also emphasised that management placed strong priority on staff welfare and capacity development during the year, recognising that human capital remains central to grid reliability.

According to him, the organisation implemented training programmes, promotions, incentives, enhanced welfare support, and sustained engagement with labour unions to ensure industrial harmony during the transition period.

“Management remains mindful that people are the backbone of this institution,” Mohammed said, assuring employees of continued dialogue, transparency and collaborative problem-solving as NISO navigates its formative years.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Looking forward, Mohammed said NISO would focus on consolidating its early gains in 2026 by strengthening operational systems, deepening internal capacity, and improving coordination mechanisms to support Nigeria’s evolving energy mix.

He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to developing a resilient, flexible and future-ready national grid capable of integrating more renewable energy, supporting industrial expansion, and driving sustainable economic development.

“NISO is on the move, and this journey must be taken together. NISO is not just an institution; it is a collective endeavour,” he said, calling for sustained collaboration among government agencies, regulators, market participants, and development partners.