The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) and the West African Power Pool (WAPP) have progressed in their technical and operational coordination for the upcoming second phase of regional power grid synchronisation. This advancement follows a key working visit to the National Control Centre (NCC) in Osogbo.
The discussions centred on critical elements such as in-depth system studies, established operational procedures, and readiness assessments necessary for achieving the June 2026 synchronisation target. This milestone aims to enhance the real-time interconnection of power grids across the West African sub- region, as detailed in a statement from NISO on Wednesday.
Nafisatu Ali, Executive Director of System Operation at NISO, stated during the session that moving from a loosely connected system of bilateral exchanges to a fully synchronised grid architecture necessitates strict adherence to uniform operational standards. She elaborated that these standards encompass frequency control, voltage stability, ensuring sufficient spinning reserve, and effective contingency management across all interconnected grids.
Ali further explained that the NCC plays a pivotal role in these operations, overseeing system balancing, managing outage schedules, and maintaining grid security within Nigeria and across the WAPP interconnections. This is achieved through real-time supervision and dispatch facilitated by its SCADA/EMS platform.
She emphasised that the synchronisation process requires harmonised grid codes, aligned protection systems, and consistent operational procedures among participating nations. Crucially, it also depends on robust communication infrastructure to enable rapid data sharing and coordinated dispatch.
"The NCC is tasked with maintaining system frequency within permissible operational limits, ensuring stable voltage profiles across transmission lines, and coordinating both scheduled and unscheduled outages to minimise disruptions to the system," Ali noted.
Ali also highlighted the significant role of cross-border transmission infrastructure, specifically mentioning the Ikeja West–Sakété 330kV line. This line is a vital synchronous link connecting Nigeria and the Benin Republic, forming a foundational element for power exchange and regional load balancing.
She further elaborated that Nigeria's national grid is being strategically positioned as a stabilising force within the WAPP network, leveraging its generation capacity, extensive transmission network, and its capability to provide frequency support services to interconnected systems.
Ali added that with the operationalisation of NISO, operating under the electricity market framework aligned with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the NCC has taken on increased responsibilities. These include real-time system security evaluations, coordination of ancillary services, and the accurate accounting of cross-border energy transactions.
NISO also reported ongoing progress in grid modernisation initiatives. These include the deployment of an updated SCADA/EMS system designed to improve situational awareness, automate the analysis of contingencies, and enable quicker responses to grid disturbances. Additionally, the construction of a new national control centre facility is underway to ensure redundancy, enhance scalability, and bolster the resilience of system operations.
Regarding synchronisation readiness, the organisation indicated advancements in dynamic simulations, stability analyses, and trial synchronisation exercises conducted with neighbouring control areas. These tests are crucial for validating the system's performance under interconnected operating conditions.
Abdoulaye Diaw, the Secretary General of WAPP, speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, underscored the importance of maintaining consistent technical discipline and strict adherence to regional operational standards to guarantee smooth grid synchronisation.
He commended NISO's dedication to enhancing system operations and encouraged continued investment in infrastructure, human capital development, and coordination mechanisms that are essential for the successful completion of Phase II.
During the visit, Umor Emmanuel, the Acting General Manager of NCC Osogbo, provided a detailed technical presentation. This presentation covered the centre's operational framework, including its functions in Automatic Generation Control (AGC), load frequency control, and its interaction with regional dispatch centres.
The WAPP delegation comprised senior technical experts, including Oumar Diaw, Julius Abayatéye, Norbert Kindadoussi, and Issoufou Rouga, who actively participated in system review sessions and operational briefings.
Prior to the NCC visit, the delegation had toured the Lagos regional operations office, where initial coordination activities and system readiness assessments were performed in preparation for the second synchronisation test.
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