The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) and the Canadian High Commission have identified several strategic areas for collaboration aimed at advancing Nigeria’s electricity sector through capacity development, technology transfer, renewable energy integration, digital transformation and investment in critical power infrastructure.
The discussions took place when the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, David Sproule, led a delegation from the Canadian High Commission on a courtesy visit to the NISO Headquarters in Abuja, where they were received by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, alongside members of the NISO Management Team.
Welcoming the delegation, According to NISO, Engr. Mohammed described the visit as a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Canada, expressing appreciation to the High Commission for choosing NISO as one of the institutions to engage.
He noted that the visit underscored the shared commitment of both countries to promoting technical cooperation, trade, innovation and sustainable development within the energy sector.
The NISO Managing Director briefed the delegation on the organisation’s mandate following its establishment under the Electricity Act 2023, explaining that the Independent System Operator is responsible for System Operations, Market Operations and System Planning, as well as the administration and enforcement of the Nigerian Electricity Market Rules, Grid Code, Metering Code and other regulatory directives issued by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
He explained that NISO is driving the modernisation of Nigeria’s electricity industry through digital transformation initiatives, including the implementation of Supervisory Control Data Acquisition (SCDA) System, Energy Management System (EMS), development of advanced electricity market trading platforms and the deployment of telemetry and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) to facilitate more efficient electricity market operations.
Engr. Mohammed also highlighted NISO’s strategic role in planning and evaluating national grid expansion projects, identifying priority investments, integrating renewable energy into the national grid and promoting private sector participation through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to accelerate transmission infrastructure development.
He identified capacity development, technical exchange programmes, renewable energy integration, battery energy storage systems, digital grid technologies, research, innovation and investment as key areas where Canada and NISO could establish mutually beneficial partnerships.
“As an emerging electricity market, we are keen to learn from Canada’s experience and leverage its expertise in modern electricity market operations, digital technologies and renewable energy integration. We believe this visit marks the beginning of a sustained partnership that will contribute to improving the reliability and stability of Nigeria’s national grid,” the Managing Director said.
Responding, the Canadian High Commissioner, David Sproule, congratulated NISO on its successful establishment as one of the most significant reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector under the Electricity Act 2023.
He commended the organisation’s strategic vision and expressed Canada’s readiness to support Nigeria’s energy transition and power sector modernisation by leveraging Canadian expertise in electricity system management, renewable energy integration, energy storage technologies, cyber security and electricity market operations.
According to him, Canadian companies are globally recognised for operating complex electricity systems with high levels of renewable energy integration and remote grid management, adding that these capabilities align with NISO’s vision for a modern, digitally enabled electricity market.
“Canada is keen to support Nigeria’s energy transition and power sector modernisation. We welcome the opportunity to connect NISO with Canadian technology providers and Independent System Operators as we work together to strengthen collaboration and explore mutually beneficial opportunities,” Ambassador Sproule said.
Both parties expressed optimism that the engagement would lay the foundation for sustained cooperation in areas of technical capacity building, knowledge exchange, innovation and investment, ultimately contributing to the development of a more reliable, resilient and sustainable electricity supply industry in Nigeria.
