By 
Collaboration aims to improve electricity reliability, deploy IoT-enabled meters, and support digital economy growth through stable power infrastructure.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) are set to collaborate on initiatives aimed at accelerating digital transformation in Nigeria’s energy sector and enhancing infrastructure needed to drive the country’s digital economy.Â
RELATED: NITDA approves NiRA 2025 Annual Report, 2026 Business Plan to boost .ng domain adoption in Nigeria
During a strategic meeting between the two organisations, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, emphasised the importance of reliable electricity as a key driver of digital innovation, economic growth, and national development.
Abdullahi noted that as businesses and institutions increasingly embrace digital technologies, the power sector remains fundamental to sustaining digital progress, adding that access to stable electricity is essential for the growth of emerging technologies and digital services.
NITDA’s Commitment to Cross-Sector Digital Transformation
Abdullahi commended NISO’s commitment to embedding technology into its operations from inception, describing the organisation’s approach as forward-looking and capable of delivering long-term value to the electricity industry.
According to him, the rapid expansion of data centres, artificial intelligence, and other digital infrastructure globally has made dependency on power supply a critical factor for attracting investment.
He stated that Nigeria stands to benefit significantly from the growing digital economy if it continues to improve electricity reliability while deploying technology to boost transparency, efficiency, and accountability across the power ecosystem.
The NITDA DG also reiterated that the agency’s role extends beyond information technology regulation, noting that NITDA is actively supporting digital transformation across multiple sectors of the economy.
“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,” he said.
Supporting Public Sector Reforms
Drawing on NITDA’s experience in supporting public sector reforms, Abdullahi noted that the agency has assisted institutions such as the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council with digital transformation initiatives and is prepared to extend similar support to NISO.
To facilitate implementation, he proposed the establishment of a joint technical team to identify priority projects and develop a practical framework for collaboration.
NISO’s Role and Digitalisation Agenda
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NISO, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, described the engagement as a significant step towards building a technology-enabled electricity management system. He explained that NISO was created following the unbundling of the Transmission Company of Nigeria and is responsible for system operations, electricity market administration, and power system planning, while the Transmission Service Provider oversees the transmission infrastructure.
Mohammed said the organisation plays a central role in coordinating Nigeria’s electricity network, ensuring the efficient movement of power from generating stations through the transmission network to distribution companies while maintaining system stability.
IoT-Enabled Meters for Real-Time Data
As part of efforts to improve operational efficiency and visibility, he disclosed that NISO has begun deploying Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled meters at strategic points across the electricity value chain.
The initiative, he explained, is designed to provide real-time operational data from generation, transmission, and distribution interfaces, pending the completion of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition/Energy Management System (SCADA/EMS) project.
He noted that improved access to real-time data would enhance decision-making, strengthen grid management, and contribute to the overall reliability of the national electricity system. Mohammed further expressed optimism that collaboration with NITDA would provide NISO with valuable insights and expertise to support its digitalisation agenda.
Expected Outcomes
The proposed partnership is expected to enhance innovation, improve transparency, and create a more enabling environment for investments that depend on reliable digital and energy infrastructure.
