The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has said the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, is committed to ending recurring grid collapses and improving the reliability and stability of the national electricity grid.
Adelabu made the statement on Friday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while addressing journalists at the maiden 2025 retreat of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), themed “NISO on the Move.” He was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Muhammadu Mamman.
According to him, the Tinubu administration has adopted new approaches from the onset to enhance grid stability and reduce nationwide power outages. He added that the establishment of NISO is one of the government’s key strategies for restructuring grid management and improving performance.
Nigeria has long struggled with repeated grid failures linked to ageing infrastructure, poor maintenance, inadequate funding, and vandalism—factors that have caused frequent blackouts and forced homes and businesses to resort to costly alternatives like generators.
Adelabu said, “Since this administration came on board, it has been clear to everyone that things are being done differently. The creation of the Nigerian Independent System Operator is part of the government’s efforts to stabilise the grid, cut down power interruptions, and expand electricity access.”
He noted that the retreat provides a platform for NISO officials to reassess and improve their operations, stressing the ministry’s support for efforts aimed at ensuring stable and adequate national power supply.
The Chairman of NISO’s Board of Directors, Dr. Adesegun Akin-Olugbade, praised the agency’s staff for their dedication, which he said played a crucial role in the successful synchronisation of Nigeria’s grid with the West African Power Pool (WAPP). He highlighted their professionalism, coordination, and communication, which enabled seamless cross-border grid operation for four uninterrupted hours across several West African countries.
NISO’s Managing Director, Abdul Mohammed, explained that the organisation was created to help attract private-sector investment and optimise existing resources in the power sector. He noted that the sector’s challenges persist partly because adequate investment has not been made over the years.
He described electricity infrastructure as highly capital-intensive, saying, “We have not invested as much as required to ensure a stable and reliable grid. That is why NISO was established—to complement government efforts and draw in private-sector participation.”
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, represented by the Commissioner for Power, Iniobong Robson, commended NISO for its progress, noting that the agency has demonstrated discipline and a clear sense of purpose since its inception.
