NISO, GOSERC Forge Partnership to Boost Electricity Supply in Gombe

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has pledged to collaborate with the Gombe State Electricity Regulatory Commission (GOSERC) to develop market frameworks aimed at improving electricity supply and expanding access to power in Gombe State.

The commitment was made on Monday, August 10, 2026, when the management of GOSERC visited NISO’s corporate headquarters in Utako, Abuja, to explore areas of collaboration in the state’s emerging electricity market.

Receiving the delegation, NISO Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, FNSE, congratulated the members of the commission on their appointments and commended Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for establishing the state electricity regulatory commission.

Mohammed described Gombe as a major commercial hub in the North-East, noting that the state’s growing economic activities and the development of an industrial park had created a strong need for increased electricity supply.

He said NISO was prepared to support GOSERC in developing a sustainable business and market framework that would enable the state to access more electricity.

“We will support you 100 per cent in exploring how to improve electricity supply in the state. We will collaborate with you to develop a sound business model that will enable the state to access more power,” he said.

The NISO chief executive also advised GOSERC to regard Sabana, the licensed electricity distribution utility operating in the state, as a strategic partner rather than a competitor.

According to him, stronger cooperation between the regulator and the distribution company would contribute to improved revenue generation and the development of a more efficient electricity market in Gombe.

Mohammed further identified Gombe’s natural resources, including its coal deposits, as potential assets that could support electricity generation, while assuring the commission that NISO would provide technical and on-the-job training in relevant areas of the electricity sector.

Earlier, Chairman of GOSERC, Dr. Usman Abba Arabi, MNI, said the commission’s visit was aimed at identifying opportunities for collaboration with NISO to improve electricity supply across the state.

Arabi disclosed that Gombe was currently receiving about 30 megawatts of electricity, despite having the potential and demand to receive as much as 200MW.

“Gombe State is currently receiving 30MW, whereas, in essence, its energy requirements and required capacity would allow it to receive up to 200MW,” he said.

He added that Governor Yahaya had mandated the commission to work towards significantly improving power supply in the state.

Arabi also revealed that about 30 mini-grid projects were already under development in Gombe, stressing the need for close collaboration with NISO to ensure their smooth integration into the state’s electricity market.

Speaking at the meeting, NISO Executive Director, Market Operations, Engr. Dr. Edmond Eje, advised GOSERC to ensure that all licensed distribution companies operating within the state register with NISO as market participants.

He explained that such registration was necessary because the companies would interface with the national grid and participate in the broader electricity market.

Also speaking, NISO Executive Director, Finance and Corporate Services, Mr. Babajide Ibironke, assured the GOSERC delegation of NISO’s continued support and open-door policy.

Ibironke noted that although NISO performs quasi-regulatory functions, it remains committed to working with subnational electricity regulators to strengthen Nigeria’s electricity market and improve power supply across the country.

The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between the national system operator and emerging state electricity regulators as Nigeria deepens reforms in the power sector and seeks to expand electricity access at the subnational level.