By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has flagged off the construction of a new ultra-modern National Control Centre in Osogbo, Osun State, in a move aimed at strengthening the management, monitoring and operation of Nigeria’s National Grid.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, was performed on behalf of Vice President Kashim Shettima by his Senior Special Assistant on Legal and Compliance Matters, Alhaji Bashir Maidugu.
Maidugu described the project as a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to developing critical national infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the new facility would contribute to socio-economic development while creating a more conducive environment for citizens and businesses.
Giving an overview of the project, the Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Tegbe, said the existing National Control Centre had been in operation for about 60 years, making the construction of a modern replacement necessary to meet the demands of Nigeria’s evolving electricity system.
Tegbe called for stronger collaboration and support across the power sector to enable NISO to effectively deliver on its mandate of ensuring reliable and efficient electricity supply nationwide.
The Chairman of the NISO Board of Directors, Dr. Adesegun A. Akin-Olugbade, described the project as a major milestone in the implementation of the institutional framework established by the Electricity Act 2023.
According to him, NISO’s responsibilities covering Market Administration, System Operation and System Planning require advanced technology, effective governance and strong technical capacity.
Also speaking, the NISO Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, FNSE, described the groundbreaking as the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s power system operations.
He said the increasing complexity of the national electricity grid required modern technology, reliable data and highly skilled professionals to ensure effective system management.
“As Nigeria’s electricity grid grows increasingly complex, we require modern technology, reliable data and skilled professionals to operate it effectively. This new centre will drastically improve grid visibility, enhance real-time monitoring and security, and empower our operators to respond to system events with greater speed and precision,” Mohammed said.
The new ultra-modern National Control Centre is designed to provide NISO with an advanced operational environment capable of supporting world-class system operations, improved grid visibility, real-time monitoring and enhanced response to emerging challenges across Nigeria’s electricity network.
