Cynthia Egboboh
The federal government has said that with West African Power Pool (WAPP), when fully synchronised, Nigeria will operate under a stronger, more resilient system, benefiting from cross-border support that enhances grid stability, reduces the risk of system disturbances, and improves the overall reliability of electricity supply.
This follows the recent announcement made by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), that On 8th November 2025, Nigeria successfully conducted a grid synchronisation test connecting the national electricity grid with the interconnected WAPP system.
Reiterating the impact of the WAPP project, Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday said that integrating the national grid into the broader regional system places Nigeria at the centre of a modern operating environment where electricity networks no longer function in isolation but as interdependent components of a shared regional framework.
He explained that by becoming part of a larger synchronous area, Nigeria will be able to rely on regional support during periods of supply shortfall, while also strengthening neighbouring networks when required.
This form of mutual support he said, is a defining feature of advanced power systems globally and is essential for long-term regional energy security.
“Once permanent synchronisation is achieved, Nigeria will operate under a stronger, more resilient system, benefiting from cross-border support that enhances grid stability, reduces the risk of system disturbances, and improves the overall reliability of electricity supply.
“The impact of this achievement is already evident in several critical areas. First, it strengthens confidence in Nigeria’s power system. For many years, factors such as gas shortages, infrastructure constraints, vandalism, and occasional system disturbances have adversely affected grid stability.
“The successful synchronisation test shows that, despite these challenges, Nigeria has the technical competence, engineering capacity, and institutional discipline required to operate at global standards. It positions the country as a credible partner for cross-border energy exchange and a reliable participant in the West African Electricity Market,” he said.
Adelabu noted that the move will create opportunities for Nigeria to earn foreign exchange, optimise generation resources, and attract increased private investment, adding that independent power producers are more willing to invest where stable, regional markets exist beyond the constraints of a single domestic buyer.
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For him, the benefits of synchronisation with other WAPP countries would extend directly to the Nigerian people through a more stable grid which he said improves the performance of essential services such as hospitals, water supply, transport systems, digital infrastructure, and public institutions.
“As ongoing transmission expansion projects including the North-Core line, the Ajegunle 330 kV Substation, the Kaduna–Kano transmission upgrades, and the Gwagwalada–Gurara connection are completed, synchronisation will help deliver more reliable power to homes and industries nationwide.
“While expectations must remain realistic, this achievement provides the structural foundation for the improvements Nigerians have long awaited.The government expect long-term benefits for Nigeria’s economy. Regional integration will enable the country to optimise generation costs, deepen industrialisation, strengthen regulatory oversight, and expand its leadership in the ECOWAS energy landscape.
“It will also support ongoing domestic reforms that allow states to participate in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity within a more stable national framework,” he added.
Source: Businessday.ng | Read the Full Story…
