The Federal Government has unveiled a new plan to raise Nigeria’s electricity supply to 8,000 megawatts (MW) within the next 12 to 18 months. This effort will be driven by enhanced grid governance and operational efficiency under the newly formed Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO).
The announcement was made during a leadership retreat for NISO executives held in Abuja. The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Ayodeji Gbeleyi, stated that the goal is attainable by closing the gap between Nigeria’s installed power capacity, currently over 14,000MW—and the actual daily generation, which fluctuates around 5,500MW.
He said the government has secured a \$500 million loan from the World Bank to modernize distribution infrastructure, including the rollout of 3.2 million electricity meters. A separate presidential initiative will contribute an additional 2 to 3 million meters to reduce the widespread metering deficit.
The 8,000MW target is part of a broader strategy to improve grid stability and customer satisfaction through the operational independence of NISO. Formerly a part of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), NISO now functions as an autonomous entity responsible for grid operations, system planning, and 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 stressed that effective grid management is central to economic progress across sectors such as education, healthcare, industry, and security.
NISO’s Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Abdu Bello, added that reaching the 8,000MW benchmark is possible with disciplined execution and active private sector engagement. “We must align strategy with execution. This retreat sets the tone for that,” he said.
Reinforcing stakeholder commitment, Executive Director of Portfolio Management at the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Tajudeen Ahmed, pledged full shareholder support. He affirmed MOFI’s commitment to empowering NISO to deliver on its mandate.
As Nigeria struggles with unreliable electricity supply, this reform-driven approach under NISO marks a significant shift toward a more coordinated and market-driven power sector, with hopes of delivering tangible results within the next year and a half.
