The Federal Government has announced a plan to boost electricity supply to 8,000 megawatts (MW) within the next 12 to 18 months, leveraging enhanced grid management by the newly established Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO).
Speaking at a leadership retreat for NISO executives in Abuja on Wednesday, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr Ayodeji Gbeleyi, said the target is achievable through improved transmission efficiency and strategic investments in infrastructure.
“Nigeria’s installed capacity exceeds 14,000MW, but daily generation hovers around 5,500MW. Closing that gap is possible with better grid governance and stronger distribution networks,” Gbeleyi said.
He revealed that a $500m World Bank loan has been secured to upgrade distribution facilities, including the deployment of 3.2 million electricity meters. An additional 2 to 3 million meters will come from a separate presidential initiative aimed at bridging the metering gap.
The retreat follows NISO’s recent separation from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), positioning it as an independent operator responsible for real-time grid operations, long-term system planning, and electricity market development.
“NISO is not just a new institution—it is a new idea,” said Dr. Adesegun Akin-Olugbade, Chairman of the NISO Board.
He continued: “Reliable grid management underpins everything from industry and education to healthcare and security.”
NISO’s Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Abdu Bello, noted that the 8,000MW target is within reach if the agency remains focused and attracts private sector investment.
“We must align strategy with execution. This retreat sets the tone for that,” he stated.
Also speaking, Mr. Tajudeen Ahmed, Executive Director of Portfolio Management at the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), pledged full shareholder support for NISO, affirming MOFI’s commitment to enabling the operator to deliver on its mandate.
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