NISO Emphasizes Importance of Accurate, Reliable Reporting to Public
 …Explains causes of system collapse
This emphasis came from NISO’s Managing Director and CEO, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, during an online media interaction with several Energy Correspondents, media organizations and professionals across Nigeria including some heads of corporate communications departments from Distribution Companies (DisCos). He expressed concern over misleading headlines and inaccurate information about the organization and the power sector appearing in public discourse. He appealed to media professionals to underscore the importance of verifying information directly with NISO before publication, noting that this practice could help improve the organization’s image and prevent public confusion.
Engr. Mohammed acknowledged past lapses in consistent engagement with the media regarding NISO’s operations and pledged to bridge this communication gap. He assured participants of regular updates and interactions to ensure members of the press are equipped with accurate information for public dissemination.
In response to requests from media representatives during the discussion, the MD/CEO elaborated on the causes of system collapses and promised to organize training sessions to deepen media understanding of NISO’s operations. He recognized that while many energy journalists are industry veterans with substantial expertise and experience, training would further enhance their capacity for precise reporting on the sector. He assured the Association of Energy Correspondents of his full support in carrying out their activities.
Explaining system collapses further, Engr. Mohammed noted that these disruptions can occur at any point in the power value chain, whether generation, transmission, or distribution. However, NISO is committed to immediate response measures to ensure swift restoration to normal operations whenever such issues arise.
According to him, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) oversees the management and stabilization of the National Grid, which comprises interconnected high-voltage transmission lines, substations, and other equipment spanning the country.
The grid frequency serves as an indicator of the balance between electricity demand and supply, reflecting the power dispatched from generation companies (Gencos) to consumers through the transmission system.
Frequency is measured in hertz (Hz), with the Grid Code stipulating that the norminal operating frequency at 50Hz. For example, at any given point in time, the system operator manages to balance the system frequency through balancing of supply (generation) demand (consumption), maintaining a balanced system within a frequency of 50Hz + or – 2.5%. However, such perfect balancing is extremely a difficult activity most especially with largely manual system operation and low system visibility.
As explained, the Nigerian National Grid is designed to operate within a specific frequency range: an upper limit of 51.25Hz and a lower limit of 48.75Hz. The role of NISO is to ensure that fluctuations stay within these boundaries. Any substantial deviation beyond these limits—whether above or below—runs the risk of triggering a national grid collapse.
The NISO leadership detailed two types of system collapses: total and partial. A Total System Collapse, or total grid failure, occurs when generation capacity falls to zero megawatts, leading to a nationwide power supply shutdown across the interconnected national grid. Partial System Collapse, on the other hand, involves localized disturbances impacting only part of the grid. These issues often stem from voltage and frequency instabilities as cascading failures initiated by generation tripping, transmission line tripping of distribution lines trippings. Either of these or both can trigger total system collapse or partial collapse depending on the magnitude or severity of load loss.
Additionally, it was further explained that grid disturbances or instability could manifest as frequency fluctuates or rapid load drops, which might—but do not always—lead to collapse scenarios.
A representative from one of the DisCos commended NISO for its initiative in fostering detailed engagement with the media and other stakeholders within the value chain. He emphasized that such efforts would significantly enhance effective and reliable communication with electricity consumers across Nigeria.
Concluding the session, NISO reassured journalists of its commitment to fostering stronger collaboration with the media. The organization reiterated that it welcomes inquiries and encourages reporters to reach out directly or consult NISO’s website www.niso.org.ng for accurate and up-to-date information.
