- NEMSA and NISO formed a Joint Technical Team to recertify meters, enforce standards, and integrate renewables to reduce losses and boost grid reliability.
- The plan includes data sharing, faster enforcement, and collaboration with agencies to curb substandard materials and improve power sector transparency.
Nigeria’s Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) and the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) have launched a joint action plan to improve grid safety, enforce technical standards, and enhance metering accuracy across the power sector.
Both agencies formed a Joint Technical Team to lead the initiative. The team will focus on metering infrastructure, regulatory compliance, electrical inspections, renewable energy integration, and financial coordination.
In addition, NEMSA and NISO announced plans to recertify and standardise all grid-connected meters immediately. They said the effort will increase transparency, boost energy accountability, and improve power supply reliability.
“The Joint Technical Team will handle key areas including standards, metering, inspectorate services, renewables, and logistics,” said Ama Umoren, NEMSA’s Head of Communications and Protocol. “The team will begin with a nationwide recertification of grid meters.”
Furthermore, NISO Managing Director Abdu Mohammed reaffirmed NEMSA’s role in enforcing technical standards. He urged the agency to certify meters accurately and test all new substations and transmission lines before operators commission them.
“NEMSA must prioritise transparent meter certification to reduce losses and improve efficiency,” Mohammed said.
NEMSA Managing Director Aliyu Tahir also pledged to enforce safety and technical standards. He highlighted grid instability caused by the misuse of 33kV feeders, slow enforcement, and non-compliance by some distribution companies.
Tahir said NEMSA and NISO will fast-track enforcement by applying administrative sanctions where necessary. He also committed to data sharing and collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the Nigerian Customs Service to stop importing substandard electrical equipment.
“We are developing protocols to integrate mini-grids and energy storage with the national grid safely,” Tahir said. “We support reviewing the Electricity Act to strengthen our enforcement powers.”
By launching this joint plan, NEMSA and NISO aim to deliver safer, more efficient, and more reliable electricity infrastructure for Nigerians.