The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) is scheduled to break ground for an ultra-modern National Control Centre in Osogbo, Osun State, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. The project is intended to strengthen monitoring and control of Nigeria’s electricity grid and modernise power-system operations.
Key Highlights
- NISO has scheduled a groundbreaking ceremony for a new National Control Centre in Osogbo on September 30, 2026.
- The facility is intended to support real-time monitoring and control of Nigeria’s national grid.
- The centre will support operations across the 330kV and 132kV transmission network.
- Planned technologies include SCADA, Energy Management Systems, Automatic Generation Control and advanced telemetry.
- The project follows the April 2026 handover of the site for construction.
- NISO is also developing a National Control Centre in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory.
NISO National Control Centre to Strengthen Grid Operations
The National Control Centre in Osogbo has historically served as a key operational hub for Nigeria’s electricity transmission system. It supports real-time monitoring, control and coordination of the country’s 330kV and 132kV transmission network.
Operations involve Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Energy Management Systems (EMS), tele-control interfaces and other tools used to monitor the grid. The centre also coordinates with regional control centres and supports management of system frequency, voltage stability, outages and other grid operations.
NISO’s Role in Nigeria’s Electricity Sector
NISO was established as a statutory entity under the Electricity Act 2023 following the separation of system operations from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). Its responsibilities include generation scheduling and dispatch, congestion management, transmission coordination and supporting the operation of a more transparent electricity market.
The restructuring was designed to give system operations greater neutrality, technical focus and operational efficiency.
Osogbo Control Centre Project Moves to Construction Phase
The planned groundbreaking follows the handover of a site at the existing Osogbo facility for a new National Control Room in April 2026. NISO handed the site to FBS Construction Engineering Services Limited.
At the handover ceremony, NISO Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Abdu Bello Mohammed stressed professionalism, safety, quality standards and timely delivery. Executive Director for System Operations Nafisatu Asabe Ali described the National Control Centre as a critical national asset, while Executive Director for Finance and Corporate Services Babajide Ibironke also highlighted the project’s national importance.
The project is listed among Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission priority transmission projects, alongside a new control centre planned for Gwagwalada.
SCADA, EMS and AGC to Support Grid Modernisation
NISO has highlighted investment in modern control centres in Osogbo and Gwagwalada alongside deployment of SCADA, EMS, Automatic Generation Control (AGC), telemetry and Internet of Things-based monitoring systems.
The technologies are expected to give operators improved real-time visibility of grid conditions and help detect abnormalities sooner. They are also designed to improve operational efficiency and strengthen the resilience of the national electricity system.
Facility Could Support Regional Power Integration
The Osogbo facility is expected to support Nigeria’s participation in the West African Power Pool (WAPP). The regional initiative requires technical coordination among participating countries, including work toward greater grid synchronisation and electricity exchange across West Africa.
A modern control centre could therefore strengthen Nigeria’s system operations and its role in regional electricity integration.
Nigeria’s Electricity Grid Faces Persistent Challenges
Nigeria’s power sector continues to face challenges involving grid instability, transmission constraints, system visibility and operational efficiency. The new National Control Centre is part of efforts to improve the infrastructure needed to manage an increasingly complex electricity network.
The facility is expected to provide additional technological capacity, redundancy and scalability as Nigeria seeks to accommodate more electricity generation and integrate different energy sources. Improved system monitoring and coordination could also support electricity delivery to distribution companies and consumers.
NISO Targets a More Reliable Electricity Grid
The September 30 groundbreaking ceremony would mark the next stage in NISO’s plans to modernise Nigeria’s electricity system operations. The project’s results will depend on timely construction, effective deployment of planned technologies and coordination among NISO, contractors, government agencies and other stakeholders.
A modern National Control Centre in Osogbo would add infrastructure for managing Nigeria’s national grid as the country works to improve electricity reliability, strengthen energy security and support economic growth.
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