The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) are exploring a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating digital transformation in Nigeria’s power sector and strengthening the infrastructure required to support the country’s growing digital economy.
The proposed collaboration was discussed during a high-level meeting between the leadership of both organisations, where the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, underscored the critical role of reliable electricity in driving digital innovation, economic growth and national development.
Inuwa noted that as businesses and public institutions increasingly adopt digital technologies, stable electricity supply remains essential for sustaining technological advancement and supporting emerging innovations such as artificial intelligence, data centres and other digital services.
He commended NISO for prioritising technology integration from the onset of its operations, describing the organisation as forward-looking and well-positioned to deliver long-term value to Nigeria’s electricity industry.
According to him, the global expansion of digital infrastructure has intensified the need for dependable power systems, making electricity reliability a key factor in attracting investment and fostering economic competitiveness.
He added that Nigeria could significantly benefit from opportunities in the digital economy by improving electricity reliability and deploying technology-driven solutions that enhance transparency, efficiency and accountability across the power value chain.
The NITDA Director General reiterated that the agency’s mandate goes beyond IT regulation, stressed that it actively supports digital transformation initiatives across various sectors of the economy.
“Technology has become the backbone of modern development. By embracing digitalisation, organisations can improve operational efficiency, strengthen service delivery and unlock new opportunities for growth,” he said.
Drawing from NITDA’s experience in supporting institutional reforms, Inuwa disclosed that the agency has assisted organisations including the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in implementing digital transformation projects.
He assured NISO of NITDA’s readiness to provide similar support and proposed the establishment of a joint technical team to identify priority areas and develop a practical framework for collaboration.
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NISO, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, described the engagement as an important step towards building a technology-enabled electricity management system in Nigeria.
Mohammed explained that NISO emerged following the unbundling of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and is responsible for system operations, electricity market administration and power system planning, while the Transmission Service Provider manages transmission infrastructure.
He noted that NISO played a central role in coordinating the nation’s electricity network, ensuring efficient power transmission from generation companies through the national grid to distribution companies while maintaining overall system stability.
As part of efforts to enhance operational efficiency, Mohammed revealed that NISO has commenced the deployment of Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled meters at critical points across the electricity value chain.
He said the initiative would provide real-time operational data from generation, transmission and distribution interfaces pending the completion of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition/Energy Management System (SCADA/EMS) project.
According to him, access to real-time data will improve decision-making, strengthen grid management and enhance the reliability of Nigeria’s electricity supply system.
Mohammed expressed confidence that collaboration with NITDA would provide the expertise and support required to advance NISO’s digitalisation agenda.
The proposed partnership is expected to drive innovation, improve transparency and create a more conducive environment for investments that depend on reliable energy and digital infrastructure.
