The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has said that the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu is working hard to end frequent grid collapses and achieve grid reliability and stability in the power sector.

Adelabu stated this in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday while fielding questions from newsmen at the NISO Management maiden retreat 2025 with the theme “NISO on the Move.”

Represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Alh. Muhammadu Mamman, the minister said President Bola Tinubu’s administration, at inception, began doing things differently to ensure grid stability and reduce power outages in the country.

He said the creation of NISO was an initiative of the Federal Government to ensure that things are done differently in the sector.

Nigeria has experienced frequent grid collapses caused by a combination of factors, including ageing and poorly managed infrastructure, lack of funding, and vandalism.

These factors have caused widespread blackouts that negatively impact the economy and daily life, forcing businesses and households to rely on expensive alternatives such as generators.

However, Adelabu noted, “Since the commencement of this administration as everybody knows, things have been going on differently. The creation of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) itself is something that government is doing differently to ensure grid stabilization, reduction in power outages and ensure that every Nigerian has access to electricity.

“This maiden edition of NISO retreat is an avenue for them to dialogue and ensure that they are doing things differently, unlike the way it was being done before and that’s why we are here to support them to ensure that they succeed as an organization and make sure that the country gets adequate and stable power supply.”

The Chairman, Board of Directors of NISO, Dr. Adesegun Akin-Olugbade, in his remarks, lauded the dedication of the staff of NISO, noting that such commitment led to the successful synchronisation of the Nigerian grid with the West African Power Pool (WAPP).

He said, “From the very beginning, NISO has been about people: the men and women who keep the grid stable, who ensure the market runs fairly, and who represent Nigeria with excellence in regional and international cooperation.

“It is because of your dedication that NISO is earning its place as a strong, credible, and forward-looking institution in the Nigerian power sector.

“Your efforts achieved what many considered impossible the successful synchronisation of the Nigerian grid with the West African Power Pool (WAPP). Through strengthened coordination, transparent communication, and the professionalism of our system operators, Nigeria’s grid together with Niger and parts of Benin and Togo was synchronised with the rest of West Africa, from Nigeria to Mauritania, operating seamlessly at a single frequency for four uninterrupted hours.”

Also speaking, the Managing Director of NISO, Abdul Mohammed, explained that the organisation was created to complement government efforts by attracting private-sector investment and optimising existing investments in the power sector.

On why the huge investment in the power sector is not yielding positive returns in terms of steady power supply, the MD described the power business as capital-intensive, adding that investment in the sector has never been sufficient.

According to him, the government has not committed the level of resources required to make the grid reliable and stable in the country.

His words: “First and foremost, we have to understand that the power business is extremely capital-intensive. If you look at other jurisdictions where they have their power right, find out how much they have spent on an annual basis–a lot of money.

“We haven’t really spent so much as we should to really make the grid reliable, that is why NISO has been created. We are complementing what the government is doing by attracting the private sector, so it’s very important and we are doing everything possible to optimise the existing investment so there will be improvement going forward.”

In his remarks, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, who was represented by the Commissioner of Power, Iniobong Robson, commended NISO for its achievements, adding that since its establishment it has demonstrated discipline and clarity in its mandate. (PUNCH)