General News
NISO, Canada Partner to Drive Nigeria’s Power Sector Modernisation
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) and the Canadian Government have initiated discussions on a strategic partnership aimed at modernising Nigeria’s electricity sector through technology transfer, renewable energy integration, capacity development and investment in critical power infrastructure.
The proposed collaboration was unveiled during a courtesy visit by the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, David Sproule, and his delegation to NISO’s headquarters in Abuja, where they were received by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NISO, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, alongside the organisation’s management team.
Speaking during the meeting, Mohammed described the engagement as a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Canada, particularly in advancing reforms within the country’s power sector.
He said the visit reflected the shared commitment of both countries to promoting technical cooperation, innovation, trade and sustainable development in the electricity industry.
The NISO chief briefed the Canadian delegation on the organisation’s responsibilities under the Electricity Act 2023, explaining that the Independent System Operator oversees system operations, electricity market operations, system planning and the implementation of market rules and technical codes issued by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
According to him, NISO is spearheading the digital transformation of Nigeria’s electricity industry through the deployment of modern technologies, including the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System, the Energy Management System (EMS), advanced electricity market trading platforms, telemetry systems and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI).
Mohammed also highlighted NISO’s role in planning the expansion of the national grid, integrating renewable energy, identifying priority infrastructure investments and promoting Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to accelerate power transmission development.
He identified capacity building, technical exchange programmes, renewable energy integration, battery energy storage systems, digital grid technologies, research, innovation and investment as key areas where both countries could collaborate.
«”As an emerging electricity market, we are keen to learn from Canada’s experience and leverage its expertise in modern electricity market operations, digital technologies and renewable energy integration. We believe this engagement marks the beginning of a long-term partnership that will improve the reliability and stability of Nigeria’s national grid,” Mohammed said.»
Responding, Canadian High Commissioner David Sproule congratulated NISO on its establishment, describing it as one of the most significant reforms introduced under Nigeria’s Electricity Act 2023.
He reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy transition by sharing expertise in electricity system management, renewable energy integration, energy storage technologies, cybersecurity and electricity market operations.
Sproule noted that Canadian firms possess extensive experience in managing complex electricity systems with high levels of renewable energy penetration and remote grid operations, capabilities he said align with NISO’s vision for a modern, digitally driven electricity market.
«”Canada is keen to support Nigeria’s energy transition and power sector modernisation. We welcome the opportunity to connect NISO with Canadian technology providers and Independent System Operators as we work together to strengthen collaboration and explore mutually beneficial opportunities,” he said.»
Both parties expressed optimism that the discussions would pave the way for sustained cooperation in knowledge exchange, technical capacity building, innovation and investment, ultimately supporting the development of a more reliable, resilient and sustainable electricity supply industry in Nigeria.
