The Federal Government has commenced the construction of a new National Control Centre for the Nigerian Independent System Operator in Osogbo, Osun State. The groundbreaking ceremony was performed by Vice-President Kashim Shettima's representative, Alhaji Bashir Maidugu, with the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, in attendance. This project aims to address weaknesses in electricity supply and improve the reliability of the national grid.
The new control centre will replace a 64-year-old facility that no longer meets the demands of running Nigeria's grid. According to Vice-President Shettima, reliable electricity is central to President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, and power supply remains critical to economic growth, industrial productivity, and social development. The new facility will enable Nigeria to maintain the security of its domestic grid while participating effectively in an interconnected regional system.
The National Control Centre is a critical component of grid reliability, and Nigeria needs modern infrastructure to manage its increasingly interconnected electricity system. The new control centre will feature modern SCADA systems, large-format control displays, communications infrastructure, data systems, and enhanced security arrangements. This will strengthen the technological foundation upon which the country's system operations capability will continue to develop.
The project includes a main building with a basement, ground floor, and first floor, accommodating operational, technical, and support functions. A dedicated powerhouse will support continuous operation of critical systems. The development also includes a security and screening building, associated external works, and underground electrical and fibre-optic connections for power supply and reliable communications.
The new control centre will provide the environment for modern grid monitoring and control. Integrated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition and large-format displays will give operators clearer, timely information on grid conditions. Improved monitoring and analytics will help identify developing faults, support preventive maintenance, and guide decisions on the use of available generation and transmission capacity.
The project is expected to improve the operator's ability to monitor the national grid, coordinate system operations, and make faster, better-informed decisions during disturbances. The National Control Centre plays a central role in monitoring electricity flows and coordinating operations across Nigeria's power system. Its effectiveness is crucial in detecting and managing disturbances promptly to prevent them from spreading across the grid.
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, and NISO Managing Director, Abdu Bello Mohammed, have expressed optimism that the new control centre will enhance the reliability and efficiency of Nigeria's power grid. The project is part of a larger national effort to strengthen the foundations upon which economic activity depends. With a more modern and robust control centre, Nigeria can better integrate renewable energy resources and participate in regional electricity trade.
Key points
- The new National Control Centre will feature modern SCADA systems and enhanced security arrangements.
- The project aims to improve the reliability of the national grid and address weaknesses in electricity supply.
- The new control centre will enable Nigeria to participate effectively in an interconnected regional system.
