Improved Electricity Supply: NISO Vows to Collaborate with State Regulator to Develop Market Frameworks

Improved Electricity Supply: NISO Vows to Collaborate with State Regulator to Develop Market Frameworks

By Gabriel Kekong

Abuja (Core Reporters) — The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) on Monday, August 10, 2026, hosted the management of the Gombe State Electricity Regulatory Commission (GOSERC) at its corporate headquarters in Utako, Abuja.

Welcoming the guests, NISO’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, congratulated the members of the Commission on their appointments and commended the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for appointing individuals he described as worthy to serve in the capacity.

He noted that, as a commercial hub in the North-East, Gombe State presents interesting opportunities for collaboration, adding that NISO was ready to work with the state regulator to develop market frameworks that would ensure improved electricity supply to the state.

According to him, “We appreciate the Governor of Gombe State, who stood out as one of the best during my time as MD of the Jos Electricity Distribution Company. That he was the first in the entire North-East to establish a State Electricity Regulatory Commission reflects the importance he places on electricity infrastructure.”

He added that “Gombe State is comparatively a hub for commercial activities within the North-East. The establishment of the industrial park by the Governor is quite inspiring and warrants increased power supply to the state. What I can assure you is that NISO will support you 100 per cent in exploring how to improve electricity supply in the state. We will collaborate with you to develop a sound business model that will enable the state to access more power.”

While commending GOSERC’s initial progress, Engr. Mohammed advised the Commission to view Sabana, the utility company licensed for power distribution in the state, as a partner rather than a rival.

He emphasised that stronger collaboration with the distribution company would translate into improved revenue generation for the state’s electricity market.

Engr. Mohammed noted that Gombe State was well positioned as a key stakeholder in the power sector due to its naturally endowed resources, particularly coal reserves for electricity generation.

He further assured GOSERC that NISO stood ready to provide on-the-job training in various aspects of the electricity sector.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of GOSERC, Dr. Usman Abba Arabi, explained that the meeting was aimed at exploring collaborative opportunities to enhance electricity supply in the state.

“Gombe State is currently receiving 30MW, whereas, in essence, its energy requirements and required capacity would allow it to receive up to 200MW. The Governor has mandated us to work towards improving power supply in the state, which is why we are here to discuss and exchange ideas on how we can collaborate to achieve this objective. Already, approximately 30 mini-grids are being developed, but we still need to collaborate with NISO to ensure a smooth transition,” he said.

Speaking separately, NISO’s Executive Director, Market Operations, Engr. Dr. Edmond Eje, advised the state regulator to ensure that all licensed distribution companies operating in the state register with NISO as market participants, as they would be interfacing with the national grid.

On his part, the Executive Director, Finance and Corporate Services, Mr. Babajide Ibironke, assured GOSERC that NISO remained committed to maintaining an open-door policy.

He stressed that although NISO functions as a quasi-regulator, it remained actively engaged in collaborating with subnational regulators to improve overall electricity supply across the country.