FG builds new control centre to strengthen power grid

The Federal Government has commenced the construction of a new National Control Centre for the Nigerian Independent System Operator in Osogbo, Osun State, to replace a 64-year-old facility and strengthen the monitoring, management and security of Nigeria’s electricity grid.

The groundbreaking ceremony was performed on Wednesday by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, represented by his Special Adviser on Legal and Compliance Matters, Alhaji Bashir Maidugu, with the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, in attendance.

According to a statement issued by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Adeola Labzy, the project is part of the government’s efforts to address weaknesses in electricity supply and improve the reliability of the national grid.

The statement read, “The Federal Government has begun construction of a new ultra-modern National Control Centre for the Nigerian Independent System Operator in Osogbo, Osun State, replacing a 64-year-old facility that no longer meets the demands of running Nigeria’s grid.”

Speaking through his representative, Shettima said reliable electricity was central to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that power supply remained critical to economic growth, industrial productivity and social development.

He said electricity enabled manufacturers to plan production, small businesses to operate confidently and hospitals and schools to function effectively, while creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities.

The Vice-President described the National Control Centre as a critical component of grid reliability, saying Nigeria needed modern infrastructure to manage its increasingly interconnected electricity system.

He said the country could not continue to operate a modern grid with outdated equipment and systems.

Shettima said the new ultra-modern control centre, when completed and operational, would enable Nigeria to maintain the security of its domestic grid while participating effectively in an interconnected regional system.

Describing the project as featuring modern SCADA systems, large-format control displays, communications infrastructure, data systems and enhanced security arrangements, Shettima said it would strengthen the technological foundation upon which the country’s system operations capability would continue to develop.

He noted that Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure must be capable of supporting the expansion of the country’s industrial and productive capacity, saying the new National Control Centre was part of a much larger national effort to strengthen the foundations upon which economic activity depends.

Projecting into the future of energy generation and distribution in the country, Shettima said Nigeria’s electricity future would involve a more diverse generation mix.

“The integration of renewable energy resources will create opportunities for expanding electricity supply, but it will also require stronger system-management capabilities. Solar and wind generation, for example, have operational characteristics that require careful monitoring and coordination.

“ A modern System Operator must therefore possess the tools and expertise to integrate new sources of generation while maintaining system security. The new NCC will provide part of that capability. There is also a regional dimension to this project.

“Regional electricity integration creates opportunities for more efficient utilisation of generation resources and greater electricity trade. But it also places greater responsibility on national system operators.

“Nigeria must be able to maintain the security of its domestic grid while participating effectively in an interconnected regional system. The new National Control Centre will strengthen our capacity to meet that responsibility,” Shettima said.

He also emphasised the need for continued investment in the knowledge, discipline and professional capacity of those responsible for operating the country’s grid, urging those who would operate the facility to live up to expectations.

In his remarks, Tegbe recalled that the existing control centre, built 64 years ago, could no longer meet the current demands of NISO’s responsibilities.

Highlighting some key components of the project, Tegbe said, “The main building will comprise a basement, ground floor and first floor, accommodating operational, technical and support functions. A dedicated powerhouse will support continuous operation of critical systems.”

He said the development also included a security and screening building, associated external works, and underground electrical and fibre-optic connections for power supply and reliable communications.

On how the facility would function, the minister said it would “provide the environment for modern grid monitoring and control. Integrated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, known as SCADA, and large-format displays will give operators clearer, timely information on grid conditions.

Improved monitoring and analytics will help identify developing faults, support preventive maintenance and guide decisions on the use of available generation and transmission capacity.

“Once equipped, tested and commissioned, the centre will strengthen coordination across the electricity industry. Operators will be better placed to respond to disturbances before they spread and coordinate restoration when interruptions occur. It will also support the safe integration of renewable energy resources and the operational coordination of Nigeria within the West African Power Pool.”

NISO Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abdu Bello Mohammed, said the project would improve the operator’s ability to monitor the national grid, coordinate system operations and make faster, better-informed decisions during disturbances.

The National Control Centre plays a central role in monitoring electricity flows and coordinating operations across Nigeria’s power system. Its effectiveness is important because disturbances affecting generation, transmission or system frequency can spread across the grid if they are not detected and managed promptly.