The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) are exploring a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating digital transformation within Nigeria’s power sector and strengthening the critical infrastructure required to power the nation’s growing digital economy.
Speaking during a high-level engagement between both organisations, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, underscored the pivotal role of reliable electricity in driving digital innovation, economic growth and sustainable national development.
Inuwa noted that as businesses, government institutions and industries increasingly adopt digital technologies, the availability of stable and dependable electricity has become indispensable to sustaining technological advancement and unlocking the full potential of the digital economy.
He commended NISO for integrating technology into its operational framework from inception, describing the organisation as a forward-looking institution strategically positioned to deliver long-term value to Nigeria’s electricity industry.
According to him, the rapid global expansion of data centres, artificial intelligence and other emerging digital technologies has heightened the importance of reliable power supply as a major determinant of investment attraction and economic competitiveness.
He stated that Nigeria stands to gain significantly from the expanding global digital economy by improving electricity reliability while leveraging technology to enhance transparency, efficiency and accountability across the power value chain.
The NITDA Director General further stressed that the agency’s mandate extends beyond information technology regulation, highlighting its active role in supporting digital transformation initiatives across various sectors of the economy.
“Technology has become the backbone of modern development. By embracing digitalisation, organisations can improve operational efficiency, strengthen service delivery and unlock new opportunities for growth,” Inuwa stated.
Drawing from NITDA’s extensive experience in supporting public sector reforms, he disclosed that the agency has successfully partnered with institutions including the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council on digital transformation projects. He assured that similar support could be extended to NISO to advance its modernisation agenda.
To ensure effective implementation of the proposed collaboration, Inuwa recommended the establishment of a joint technical team that would identify priority areas and develop a practical roadmap for partnership.
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NISO, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, described the engagement as a major step towards building a technology-driven electricity management system capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Mohammed explained that NISO emerged following the unbundling of the Transmission Company of Nigeria and is charged with responsibilities including system operations, electricity market administration and power system planning, while the Transmission Service Provider manages the nation’s transmission infrastructure.
He noted that NISO occupies a critical position in coordinating Nigeria’s electricity network, ensuring the seamless movement of power from generation companies through the transmission system to distribution companies while maintaining overall grid stability.
As part of ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency and enhance visibility across the electricity value chain, Mohammed disclosed that NISO has commenced the deployment of Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled meters at strategic locations nationwide.
According to him, the initiative is designed to provide real-time operational data from generation, transmission and distribution interfaces pending the completion of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition/Energy Management System (SCADA/EMS) project.
He explained that access to real-time operational data would significantly improve decision-making processes, strengthen grid management capabilities and contribute to greater reliability of the national electricity network.
Mohammed expressed confidence that collaboration with NITDA would provide NISO with the technical expertise and strategic support required to advance its digitalisation objectives and enhance overall operational effectiveness.
The proposed partnership is expected to stimulate innovation, improve transparency across the power sector and create a more conducive environment for investments that depend on robust digital and energy infrastructure, further reinforcing Nigeria’s drive towards a digitally enabled and economically resilient future.
