By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has commenced the construction of a new ultra-modern National Control Centre in Osogbo, Osun State, in a major step towards strengthening the management, monitoring and operation of Nigeria’s national electricity 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 Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to developing critical national infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the facility would contribute to socio-economic development and create 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 service for approximately 60 years, making the development of a modern replacement necessary to meet the demands of an increasingly complex power system.
Tegbe called for greater collaboration and support across the power sector to enable NISO effectively discharge 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.
He said the effective performance of NISO’s responsibilities in Market Administration, System Operation and System Planning required advanced technology, strong governance structures and robust technical capabilities.
Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NISO, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, FNSE, described the groundbreaking as the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s power system operations.
“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,” he said.
The new National Control Centre is designed to provide an advanced operational environment equipped to support modern grid management, improve system visibility and strengthen the capacity of NISO to manage Nigeria’s evolving electricity network.
