NISO, SSAEAC Begin Engagement to Strengthen Nigeria’s Power Sector

In a major step toward enhancing cooperation and industrial harmony in Nigeria’s electricity industry, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, held its first official engagement with the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC). This meeting, which took place at the TCN headquarters in Abuja, marks the beginning […]

In a major step toward enhancing cooperation and industrial harmony in Nigeria’s electricity industry, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, held its first official engagement with the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC).

This meeting, which took place at the TCN headquarters in Abuja, marks the beginning of a new chapter of collaboration, professionalism, and transparency between the management of the system operator and one of the most influential labor unions in the country’s power sector.

The high-level engagement was attended by top management officials of NISO, led by its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, and leadership of SSAEAC, headed by the President General of SSAEAC Comrade Engr Benedict Chika who is ably represented by the Deputy President of the union, Comrade Rilwanu Shehu. The atmosphere was cordial, purposeful, and symbolic of a shared commitment to driving improvements in Nigeria’s electricity supply industry.

Speaking during the engagement, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed described the meeting as “a landmark interaction” and “a strategic step in strengthening operational synergy between system operators and key workforce stakeholders.” According to him, NISO’s leadership understands the pivotal role that labor unions play in the smooth running of critical infrastructure sectors such as electricity.

“We cannot build a reliable and resilient power system without engaging those who are at the heart of the operations—the people who run the systems, maintain the grid, and uphold technical standards. This engagement came at the right time, and I am pleased that we are beginning it with sincerity, openness, and a shared vision,” Engr. Mohammed stated.

He emphasized that NISO is committed to upholding values of transparency, accountability, and professionalism, and that the agency views its staff and stakeholders as partners in progress. He further noted that Nigeria’s electricity transmission and dispatch framework cannot succeed without a harmonious relationship between management and staff unions, particularly in an environment where stability, responsiveness, and real-time coordination are paramount.

In his remarks, Comrade Rilwanu Shehu, Deputy President of SSAEAC, expressed profound appreciation to NISO for initiating the dialogue and described it as a “bold and commendable move” that reflects forward-thinking leadership.

“This meeting demonstrates that NISO is serious about inclusivity, engagement, and institutional development and must pay special attention to staff welfare if productivity is the target. For us in SSAEAC, dialogue is not just a means of negotiation—it is a mechanism for understanding, for trust-building, and for achieving sustainable reforms in the sector,” Comrade Shehu said.

The General Secretary of SSAEAC Comrade Nnamdi Vincent Ajibo in his remarks reassured NISO of the union’s readiness to support reforms aimed at improving grid operations, power system reliability, and the general welfare of electricity workers. He also called for open channels of communication going forward and stressed that the union would continue to uphold industrial peace as long as the principles of fairness, respect, and equity are maintained.

“Labor and management are not adversaries. We are partners with a common interest—ensuring that the Nigerian power sector thrives, and that the workforce is equipped, respected, and motivated,” he added.

The discussions between the two bodies centered around several key themes, including strengthening technical capacity and professional development within NISO’s workforce, ensuring inclusive policy formulation through regular stakeholder consultation, promoting safe and conducive working environments for technical and support staff, aligning labor policies with the broader goals of grid reliability, operational efficiency, and national energy security, and establishing a sustainable framework for periodic dialogue between NISO management and SSAEAC leadership.

Both parties agreed that mutual trust, respect, and a shared sense of responsibility are essential for managing the complexities of Nigeria’s evolving power landscape. They committed to working together on proactive strategies to anticipate and resolve industrial issues before they escalate into disputes.

The engagement concluded with a joint resolution to deepen the relationship between NISO and SSAEAC through consistent communication and shared problem-solving mechanisms. In the coming months, both organizations agreed to jointly oversee the implementation of resolutions and to monitor emerging concerns that may impact operations or staff welfare.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with challenges in the power sector—including energy shortages, infrastructure constraints, and operational inefficiencies—this renewed focus on collaboration offers hope for greater coordination, improved service delivery, and more responsive labor relations.

For many stakeholders, the significance of this meeting extends beyond symbolism. It is seen as a practical step in the ongoing reform of Nigeria’s power transmission system—a sector where the stability of operations depends heavily on workforce morale, leadership clarity, and institutional synergy.

The engagement between NISO and SSAEAC has now set the tone for a more inclusive, transparent, and performance-driven culture within the electricity supply chain. Observers within the industry say this may serve as a model for other regulatory and service-oriented agencies seeking to bridge gaps between management and labor in the national interest.