The Federal Government has commenced construction of a new National Control Centre for the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) in Osogbo, Osun State, to replace the existing 64-year-old facility.
Vice President Kashim Shettima performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the ultra-modern centre, with the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, also in attendance.
Shettima, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Legal Matters, Bashir Maidugu, described reliable electricity as a key component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He said a stable power supply was essential to economic growth, business operations and the effective delivery of healthcare and education.
According to the Vice President, the National Control Centre plays a crucial role in maintaining electricity reliability, making it necessary for Nigeria to upgrade its infrastructure to meet the demands of a modern and interconnected power grid.
He also highlighted the establishment of NISO as an important development in the country’s electricity sector, noting that separating system operations from transmission asset ownership and management would allow the operator to concentrate on maintaining the security and coordination of the national grid.
Shettima stressed that institutional independence must be supported by adequate infrastructure and technical capacity. He said the new centre would help the country move beyond reacting to electricity disruptions towards identifying potential risks and taking preventive measures.
Speaking at the ceremony, Tegbe said the project would strengthen grid stability and improve the reliability of electricity supply across Nigeria.
The minister explained that the new facility would equip NISO with modern technology to monitor grid operations, balance electricity supply with demand, identify emerging faults and coordinate responses to disruptions.
He described the project as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to address longstanding structural challenges in the power sector, adding that effective coordination remained essential to delivering electricity safely from generation plants through transmission lines.
Tegbe noted that the existing National Control Centre, which was built 64 years ago, could no longer adequately meet the operational demands of the system operator.
He said the new facility would enhance NISO’s ability to monitor conditions across the national grid and respond promptly to developments that could affect electricity supply.
The minister also highlighted Osogbo’s longstanding role in Nigeria’s national grid operations, saying the new project would further strengthen the city’s position in the country’s electricity infrastructure.