FG starts new power control centre to curb blackouts

The Federal Government has initiated the construction of a new National Control Centre for the Nigerian Independent System Operator in Osogbo, Osun State, aimed at replacing the aging 64-year-old facility and enhancing the management of Nigeria's electricity grid. Vice-President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the project on Wednesday, alongside the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe.

The new center is part of the government's efforts to improve electricity reliability and address supply weaknesses, aligning with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. The facility will incorporate an integrated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system, advanced display screens, and analytical tools to enable operators to detect faults, plan preventive maintenance, and optimize generation and transmission capacity.

In addition to bolstering grid reliability, the new control center will improve responses to disturbances, support renewable energy integration, and strengthen coordination with the West African Power Pool. The project will also incorporate robust physical and cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure. NISO's Managing Director, Abdu Bello Mohammed, emphasized that the control center would enhance NISO's grid monitoring, decision-making, and overall system operation.