NISO pledges 100% support for Gombe, targets improved power supply, says state can access up to 200MW
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has pledged its full support to the Gombe State Electricity Regulatory Commission (GOSERC) in its efforts to significantly improve electricity supply across the state.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NISO, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, FNSE, made the commitment on Monday, August 10, 2026, when the management of GOSERC visited the NISO corporate headquarters in Utako, Abuja.
Mohammed, while welcoming the GOSERC delegation, congratulated the commission’s members on their appointments and commended Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for establishing the state electricity regulatory commission.
He described Gombe as a commercial hub in the North-East with significant opportunities for collaboration in the electricity market, stressing that NISO was ready to work with GOSERC to develop market frameworks capable of improving power supply to the state.
According to him, Gombe’s position as a growing commercial and industrial centre, coupled with the establishment of an industrial park by the state government, makes reliable electricity supply imperative.
“We appreciate the Governor of Gombe State, who stood out as one of the best during my time as MD of the Jos Electricity Distribution Company. That he was the first in the entire North-East to establish a State Electricity Regulatory Commission reflects the importance he places on electricity infrastructure,” Mohammed said.
He added: “What I can assure you is that NISO will support you 100 per cent in exploring how to improve electricity supply in the state. We will collaborate with you to develop a sound business model that will enable the state to access more power.”
The NISO boss also urged GOSERC to regard Sabana, the utility company licensed to distribute electricity in the state, as a strategic partner rather than a competitor.
He said stronger cooperation between the regulator and the distribution company would enhance the efficiency of the electricity market and boost revenue generation for the state.
Mohammed further identified Gombe’s natural resources, particularly its coal reserves, as potential assets that could support electricity generation and strengthen the state’s position as a key stakeholder in Nigeria’s power sector.
He also assured the state regulator of NISO’s readiness to provide on-the-job training for GOSERC officials in various aspects of electricity market operations.
Earlier, the Chairman of GOSERC, Dr. Usman Abba Arabi, MNI, said the delegation visited NISO to explore areas of collaboration that would help address the state’s electricity supply challenges.
Arabi disclosed that Gombe currently receives about 30 megawatts (MW) of electricity, despite having the potential to receive up to 200MW based on its energy requirements and available capacity.
“Gombe State is currently receiving 30MW, whereas, in essence, its energy requirements and required capacity would allow it to receive up to 200MW.
The Governor has mandated us to work towards improving power supply in the state, which is why we are here to discuss and exchange ideas on how we can collaborate to achieve this objective,” he said.
He added that about 30 mini-grid projects were already being developed in the state, noting, however, that collaboration with NISO was essential to ensure a smooth integration and transition within the electricity market.
Also speaking, NISO Executive Director, Market Operations, Engr. Dr. Edmond Eje, advised GOSERC to ensure that all licensed electricity distribution companies operating in the state register with NISO as market participants.
He explained that such registration was necessary because the companies would interface with the national grid and participate in the wider electricity market.
The Executive Director, Finance and Corporate Services, Mr. Babajide Ibironke, assured the GOSERC delegation that NISO would maintain an open-door policy in its dealings with state electricity regulators.
Ibironke stressed that although NISO operates as a quasi-regulator, it remains committed to working with subnational regulators to improve electricity supply and strengthen Nigeria’s electricity market.
The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between the national system operator and emerging subnational electricity regulators as states increasingly assume greater roles in electricity regulation and distribution.
