NISO, Stakeholders examine electricity act reforms, multi-level power market

By Onu Okorie

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has joined key stakeholders in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) to examine reforms introduced by the Electricity Act 2023 and explore opportunities for developing Nigeria’s emerging multi-level electricity market.
The discussions took place on Wednesday at a two-day National Workshop on the Electricity Act 2023 held at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The workshop was organised by the Office of the Vice President in collaboration with AllStates Management Partners Solutions Limited.
The NISO delegation was led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, FNSE. Other members of the delegation included the Company Secretary and General Manager, Legal, Barr. Bashir Ahmed, and the Assistant General Manager, Legal, Hajiya Maryam Gabdo Malabu.
The workshop brought together stakeholders across the electricity industry to deliberate on the implications of the Electricity Act 2023, particularly the transition towards a decentralised electricity market that provides states with greater opportunities to develop and regulate electricity markets within the framework of the law.
Discussions focused on the opportunities presented by the reforms for states to establish sustainable electricity markets, attract investment and improve electricity supply.
Participants also examined the practical implications of implementing the Act, including emerging challenges and approaches to strengthening electricity market operations across the country.
The workshop featured panel discussions involving industry experts and stakeholders, providing a platform for exchanging ideas on the implementation of the reforms and identifying practical solutions to challenges associated with the evolving electricity market.
The engagement comes amid ongoing efforts to restructure Nigeria’s electricity industry and expand participation in electricity generation, transmission, distribution and supply through the emerging multi-level market framework.
The Electricity Act 2023 provides a legal framework for states to participate more actively in the electricity sector, subject to the provisions of the Act and applicable regulatory requirements.
For NISO, participation in the workshop provided an opportunity to engage with stakeholders on the reforms shaping the industry and the implications of the evolving electricity market for system operations.
The deliberations underscored the importance of collaboration among government institutions, regulators, system operators, investors and other industry players in translating the provisions of the Electricity Act into practical improvements in electricity market development and power supply.
The workshop is expected to contribute to a broader understanding of the reforms and support efforts to build sustainable electricity markets capable of attracting investment and improving electricity access across Nigeria.