The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has raised concerns over what it describes as growing misinformation and weak technical understanding of grid operations in public engagement. The organization warned that inaccurate communication risks heightening public anxiety during system disruptions.
CEO Calls for Accurate Reporting
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Abdu Bello Mohammed made the remarks during an engagement with energy correspondents, media organizations, and corporate communications heads of electricity distribution companies (DisCos). He stressed the need for stricter verification of technical information before publication.
Mohammed stated that the organization had observed “misleading headlines and inaccurate information” circulating about grid operations and institutional performance. He added that such narratives could distort public understanding of how the national electricity system functions.
Appeal to Journalists
The CEO appealed to journalists to prioritize fact-checking directly with NISO before publishing sensitive reports. He insisted that improved verification would help stabilize public confidence in the sector and reduce avoidable alarm during operational disruptions.
He acknowledged past communication gaps between NISO and the media, pledging more structured engagement going forward. According to him, the system operator would now provide regular updates and sustained interactions to ensure “accurate information for public dissemination.”
Planned Training Sessions
Mohammed also disclosed plans for targeted training sessions aimed at deepening media understanding of grid operations, system behavior, and technical fault dynamics. This acknowledgement highlights that reporting gaps are often rooted in technical complexity rather than intent.
While noting that many energy journalists already possess strong sector knowledge, he said additional capacity building would enhance precision in reporting. “We will ensure deeper engagement and support for the media so that reporting on the sector reflects technical accuracy and context,” he assured.
Understanding Grid Operations
According to the system operator, disruptions in electricity supply can originate at any point across the value chain—generation, transmission, or distribution—while immediate stabilization measures are deployed to restore normalcy.
NISO explained that the grid operates as an interconnected high-voltage system designed to remain within strict frequency thresholds. It described frequency as the key indicator of balance between electricity supply and demand across the network.
“The grid frequency serves as an indicator of the balance between electricity demand and supply, reflecting the power dispatched from generation companies (Gencos) to consumers through the transmission system,” NISO explained. “Frequency is measured in hertz (Hz), with the Grid Code stipulating that the nominal operating frequency is 50Hz. At any given point in time, the system operator manages to balance the system frequency through balancing of supply (generation) and demand (consumption), maintaining a balanced system within a frequency of 50Hz ± 2.5%. However, such perfect balancing is extremely difficult, especially with largely manual system operation and low system visibility.”
System Stability Thresholds
The organization added that the national grid is engineered to operate within a tight band of 48.75Hz to 51.25Hz. It warned that any significant deviation outside this range could trigger cascading failures and potentially a nationwide blackout.
A total system collapse occurs when generation drops to zero megawatts, effectively shutting down the electricity supply across the entire interconnected grid. A partial system collapse, on the other hand, affects only sections of the network and is often triggered by voltage and frequency instability, including cascading failures from tripping at generation, transmission, or distribution levels.
The operator also noted that grid disturbances may appear as rapid frequency fluctuations or sudden load drops, which do not always lead to collapse but remain operational risks requiring immediate intervention.
