In a significant move aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s power infrastructure, Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday inaugurated the Board of Directors for the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) Limited. The ceremony, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, signals the government’s renewed commitment to fixing the national electricity grid and ensuring consistent power supply across the country.
During his address, VP Shettima didn’t mince words. He made it clear that the stability, reliability, and security of the national grid were top priorities—and that the newly appointed NISO board was now at the helm of this national responsibility.
“Your leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of Nigeria’s Electricity Supply Industry,” Shettima stated, urging the board to embrace transparency, integrity, and professionalism in their duties.
This comes as part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to deliver meaningful reforms across critical sectors—energy being one of the most urgent.
Who’s on the NISO Board?
The board comprises a blend of energy experts and seasoned professionals tasked with steering NISO’s mandate. Here’s a look at the key appointments:
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Chairman: Dr. Adesegun Akin-Olugbade
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Managing Director/CEO: Mr. Abdu Mohammed Bello
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Executive Directors:
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Nafisatu Asabe Ali – System Operation
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Shehu Abba-Aliyu – System Planning
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Dr. Edmund Eje – Market Operations
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Mr. Babajide Ibironke – Finance and Corporate Services
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Non-Executive Directors:
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Engr. Lamu Audu – Generation Representative
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Mrs. Folake Soetan – Distribution Representative
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Mr. Tajudeen Giwa-Osagie – Market Expert
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Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz – Transmission Representative
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Mr. Mahmuda Mamman – Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power
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This robust team is expected to bring together decades of industry know-how to tackle one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges: its unreliable electricity grid.
So what exactly does NISO do? According to the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, NISO is responsible for:
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Coordinating real-time electricity generation to match national demand
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Ensuring grid stability and cost-efficient energy dispatch
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Promoting transparency in market operations
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Enforcing strict compliance with the grid code and market rules
Put simply, NISO is the nerve center for Nigeria’s electricity flow—and its smooth operation could mean fewer blackouts and more stable power nationwide.
The Future of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN)
As part of the sector’s restructuring, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) will transfer all market and system operations assets to NISO. However, TCN will retain its role as the transmission service provider, focusing on:
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Maintaining and upgrading transmission infrastructure
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Strengthening regional power interconnections
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Facilitating investment in grid enhancements
This strategic reallocation of responsibilities is expected to streamline Nigeria’s power delivery system and make it more efficient.
VP Shettima reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to building a resilient and investment-ready electricity sector. By creating NISO and appointing credible, competent leadership, the federal government hopes to not only solve long-standing power issues but also create an enabling environment for local and foreign investors.
“We are determined to ensure that NISO operates independently and efficiently, in line with global best practices,” Shettima emphasized.
With high public expectations and an economy that desperately needs reliable electricity to thrive, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
It’s no secret that Nigeria’s power sector has long been a sore spot. Constant outages, underperforming infrastructure, and poor coordination have plagued consumers and businesses alike. But with the inauguration of a specialized, independent operator like NISO—and the government’s promise of continued support—the country may be turning a corner.
If the board lives up to its billing, we may finally start seeing the kind of grid stability and service quality Nigerians have long hoped for.