The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) are exploring a strategic partnership aimed at advancing digital transformation in Nigeria’s electricity sector and strengthening the infrastructure that underpins the country’s growing digital economy.
The proposed collaboration was discussed during a high-level meeting between both organisations, where NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, underscored the critical role of reliable electricity in driving digital innovation, economic growth and national development.
Inuwa noted that as businesses, government institutions and industries increasingly adopt digital technologies, the availability of stable power supply has become indispensable to sustaining technological advancement and expanding digital services.
He commended NISO for integrating technology into its operations from the outset, describing the organisation as forward-thinking and well-positioned to deliver long-term value to Nigeria’s electricity industry.
According to the NITDA chief, the global expansion of data centres, artificial intelligence and other digital infrastructure has heightened the importance of dependable electricity supply in attracting investments and supporting economic competitiveness.
He said Nigeria stands to benefit significantly from the opportunities presented by the digital economy by improving power reliability and leveraging technology to enhance transparency, efficiency and accountability across the energy value chain.
“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,” Inuwa said.
He also emphasised that NITDA’s mandate extends beyond regulating information technology, noting that the agency is actively driving digital transformation across key sectors of the economy.
Drawing on the agency’s track record, Inuwa highlighted NITDA’s support for digital transformation initiatives in public institutions, 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. He expressed the agency’s readiness to provide similar support to NISO.
To advance the partnership, Inuwa proposed the establishment of a joint technical team to identify priority projects and develop a framework for implementation.
Earlier, NISO Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, described the engagement as a significant step toward building a technology-driven electricity management system in Nigeria.
Mohammed explained that NISO emerged from 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 said the organisation plays a pivotal role in coordinating the national electricity network, ensuring the seamless flow of power from generation companies through the transmission system to distribution companies, while maintaining grid stability.
As part of efforts to improve operational efficiency and enhance visibility across the power value chain, Mohammed disclosed that NISO has begun deploying Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled meters at strategic points within the electricity network.
The initiative, he explained, is designed to provide real-time operational data across generation, transmission and distribution interfaces pending the completion of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition/Energy Management System (SCADA/EMS) project.
He added that access to real-time data would improve decision-making, strengthen grid management and contribute to the overall reliability of Nigeria’s electricity system.
Mohammed expressed optimism that collaboration with NITDA would provide NISO with the technical expertise and insights needed to advance its digitalisation agenda.
The proposed partnership is expected to drive innovation, improve transparency and create a more conducive environment for investments that depend on robust digital and energy infrastructure.
