Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), in collaboration with the West African Power Pool Information and Coordination Centre (WAPP-ICC), has successfully conducted the long-awaited synchronisation test between the Nigerian power grid and the rest of the West African power network.
The test marks a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to establish a unified West African electricity grid operating at a single frequency.
In a joint statement signed by Mr Adesegun Akin-Olugbade, chairman of the NISO Board, and Mr Abdu Bello Mohammed, managing director, the breakthrough connects Area 1, comprising Nigeria, Niger Republic, and parts of Benin and Togo—with Areas 2 and 3, which cover the rest of West Africa.
This achievement effectively creates a single operational grid that enhances reliability, stability, and cross-border energy exchange across the ECOWAS region.
According to the statement, “The initiative aims to achieve operational unification of the regional grid, improve system reliability through shared reserves, enable cost-effective power generation and trading under the West African Electricity Market (WAEM), and strengthen institutional cooperation among member system operators.”
Highlighting the national significance of this milestone, the NISO Managing Director said, “For Nigeria, this achievement provides multiple benefits, including unlocking stranded generation capacity, enabling energy exports and foreign exchange earnings, improving grid resilience, and reinforcing the country’s leadership role in regional energy integration.”
According to him, the initiative would also open access to donor funding for priority transmission projects such as the North Core Project in Birnin Kebbi and the Ajegunle 330 kV Substation in Lagos State, south-western Nigeria.
“The successful exercise was made possible through renewed coordination, enhanced system monitoring, stricter frequency control, and real-time communication among participating regional control centres.
“This development not only strengthens the foundation for cross-border electricity trade but also boosts investor and donor confidence in ongoing regional infrastructure projects, including the North Core Transmission Project and other grid expansion initiatives,” the statement reads.
The successful synchronisation is being celebrated as a historic milestone in West African energy cooperation and a clear demonstration of NISO’s technical expertise in managing complex power systems in accordance with international standards.
With this achievement, West Africa moves one step closer to an integrated and reliable regional power system, lighting up the future together.
