NISO begins second phase of training to strengthen national network operations

NISO begins second phase of training to strengthen national network operations

From our journalist

Abuja (Core Reporters) — The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has launched the second phase of its capacity building program for system operators, aimed at strengthening the technical competence and operational readiness required for the safe and reliable operation of Nigeria’s national electricity grid.

Declaring the training courses open, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NISO, Eng. Abdu Bello Mohammed, said continuous capacity development is essential to equip system operators with the knowledge and skills needed to manage the growing complexities of the energy system and respond effectively to changing operational conditions.

Mohammed stressed that NISO’s responsibilities as an independent system operator require technical expertise, good judgment, discipline, teamwork and an unwavering commitment to safety.

He said the training was also designed to promote a common operating culture anchored on professionalism, integrity, neutrality, reliability and continuous improvement.

The NISO chief urged attendees to deepen their understanding of the Grid Code, describing it as a fundamental standard that guides the responsibilities and operations of system operators.

He encouraged active participation and knowledge sharing throughout the program, emphasizing that his ultimate goal was to translate the knowledge gained into improved operational performance in NISO’s control centers.

Mohammed assured that NISO will continue to invest in the development of its system operators, stressing that modern technologies could only realize their full potential if supported by competent and well-trained professionals.

Also speaking were the Executive Director of System Operations, Eng. Nafisatu Ali, underlined the vital role of system operators in the independent and transparent operation, monitoring, coordination and management of the national grid to ensure safe and affordable electricity supply.

He said system operators’ responsibilities include real-time grid management, coordination of power generation and flows, load allocation, outage management, emergency response and maintenance planning.

Given the interconnected nature of Nigeria’s electricity system, Ali stressed the importance of effective coordination between control centers in maintaining grid stability.

He urged participants to deepen their understanding of voltage and frequency control, outage management, power flow monitoring, real-time balancing of generation and load, as well as coordination between control rooms.

Ali also encouraged participants to learn from system disturbances and near misses, describing such incidents as opportunities to strengthen operational knowledge, improve preparedness and prevent future events.

Executive Director of Financial and Corporate Services, Babajide Ibironke, emphasized the need for the training program to provide measurable value to both participants and NISO.

He revealed that participants will be required to share the knowledge gained with their respective teams in line with the organisation’s knowledge sharing policy.

The program is part of NISO’s broader efforts to develop the human capacity needed to support the effective, reliable and efficient operation of Nigeria’s evolving electricity system.