The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) and the Canadian High Commission have identified key areas of collaboration aimed at accelerating the modernisation of Nigeria’s electricity sector through capacity development, technology transfer, renewable energy integration, digital transformation and investment in critical power infrastructure.
The partnership was discussed during a courtesy visit by the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, David Sproule, who led a delegation from the Canadian High Commission to NISO’s headquarters in Abuja. The delegation was received by NISO’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, alongside members of the organisation’s management team.
Welcoming the delegation, Mohammed described the visit as a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Canada. He expressed appreciation to the High Commission for engaging with NISO, noting that the visit reflected the shared commitment of both countries to promoting technical cooperation, trade, innovation and sustainable development in the energy sector.
The NISO chief executive briefed the delegation on the organisation’s mandate under the Electricity Act 2023, explaining that the Independent System Operator is responsible for system operations, market operations, system planning, and 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).
Mohammed said NISO is driving the transformation of Nigeria’s electricity industry through digital initiatives, including the deployment of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Energy Management Systems (EMS), advanced electricity market trading platforms, telemetry and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) to improve market efficiency and grid operations.
He added that the organisation plays a 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 (PPPs) to accelerate transmission infrastructure development.
According to him, capacity development, technical exchange programmes, renewable energy integration, battery energy storage systems, digital grid technologies, research, innovation and investment represent major areas where Canada and NISO can 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,” Mohammed said.
Speaking during the visit, Canadian High Commissioner David Sproule congratulated NISO on its establishment, describing it as one of the most significant reforms introduced under Nigeria’s Electricity Act 2023.
He commended the organisation’s strategic vision and reaffirmed 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, cybersecurity and electricity market operations.
Sproule noted that Canadian companies have extensive experience operating complex electricity systems with high levels of renewable energy integration and remote grid management, capabilities he said align with NISO’s vision of building 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,” he said.
Both parties expressed optimism that the engagement would pave the way for sustained cooperation in technical capacity building, knowledge exchange, innovation and investment, with the ultimate goal of developing a more reliable, resilient and sustainable electricity supply industry in Nigeria.
