Power Sector Row Deepens as NISO Rejects APGC’s Grid Failure Narrative

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria’s power sector witnessed a fresh war of words on Friday as the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) dismissed claims by the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC) over the June 25 national grid disturbance, insisting the incident was a localized voltage instability in Lagos and not evidence of a nationwide system failure.

In a strongly worded clarification, NISO accused APGC of publishing misleading interpretations of the grid event that failed to accurately reflect the operational realities surrounding the disturbance, warning that such narratives could undermine public confidence in the country’s electricity network.

The system operator maintained that the incident was swiftly detected and effectively managed, preventing it from cascading into other parts of the national grid.

According to NISO, the disturbance remained confined to the Lagos region, where coordinated operational interventions restored normal electricity supply within the shortest possible time.

The clarification comes amid renewed scrutiny of Nigeria’s fragile electricity infrastructure, where recurring grid disturbances and collapses have continued to fuel concerns among consumers, businesses and industry stakeholders.

Rejecting APGC’s analysis of system frequency, voltage and generation data, NISO argued that the publication ignored established provisions of the Nigerian Grid Code governing system disturbances.

It explained that temporary deviations in frequency and voltage are normal during stressed operating conditions and should not be interpreted as proof of grid collapse or operational failure.

The operator noted that while the National Grid normally operates within a frequency range of 49.75 to 50.25 Hertz and transmission voltage between 280.5 kilovolts and 346.5 kilovolts on the 330kV network, these parameters are expected to fluctuate briefly during disturbances before corrective measures restore stability.

It further stated that the Grid Code permits generating units to remain synchronized even when system frequency temporarily falls below or rises above normal operating limits during restoration processes.

NISO also disputed APGC’s conclusions on the temporary reduction in electricity generation during the incident, describing the drop as the result of deliberate operational actions and the activation of generator and network protection systems designed to safeguard the integrity of the national grid.

According to the operator, the emergency measures prevented wider cascading outages and enabled rapid stabilization and restoration of electricity supply.

The agency stressed that presenting isolated minimum or maximum frequency values without considering the broader operational context or restoration procedures gives an inaccurate picture of the health of the national grid.

Asserting its statutory mandate, NISO declared that it remains the only authorized source of official information on grid operations, system events and the performance of Nigeria’s electricity transmission network.

It urged policymakers, market participants and the general public to rely solely on information released by the system operator for accurate and verified updates on the national grid.

The operator reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the reliability, security and stability of Nigeria’s electricity supply industry through strict compliance with the Nigerian Grid Code, transparent communication and internationally accepted operational practices.

The clarification sets the stage for renewed debate within the power sector over the interpretation of grid incidents and highlights growing tensions between key industry players over accountability and public communication in Nigeria’s electricity market.

Power Sector Row Deepens as NISO Rejects APGC’s Grid Failure Narrative

Troops Rescue 36 Benue Indigenes Held in Cross River Community

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 36 civilians from Benue State who were allegedly held by members of Imaje Community in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State following a reprisal attack linked to a livestock theft dispute.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 3:30 p.m. on Thursday by troops of 130 Battalion (Rear) in conjunction with 341 Artillery Regiment during a raid on the community.

The sources said the troops successfully rescued the 36 victims, all indigenes of Benue State residing in Imaje Community.

According to the rescued victims, the incident stemmed from the alleged assault of an indigene of Imaje by youths in Benue State over the theft of livestock.

The victims alleged that, in retaliation, members of Imaje Community attacked Benue indigenes living in the area and held them against their will.

The prompt intervention by the troops restored normalcy to the community and prevented further escalation of the crisis.

Security agencies are maintaining a presence in the area to forestall any renewed violence, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Troops Rescue 36 Benue Indigenes Held in Cross River Community

Benue Police Condemn Killing of MACBAN Chairman, Launch Full Investigation

By Zagazola Makama

The Benue State Police Command has condemned the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, Ardo Rabo Mohammed, and one Yakubu Isa, describing the attack as a senseless criminal act capable of undermining ongoing peace and security efforts.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet.

According to the statement, the two victims were attacked by unknown assailants while returning from a security meeting along the Okwudu-Ogoli Road in Otukpo Local Government Area.

The police commissioner expressed deep concern over the incident and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and all those affected by the tragedy.

He assured residents that the command had commenced a full-scale investigation into the killings, adding that tactical and intelligence assets had been deployed to identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible.

“The command will not leave any stone unturned to ensure that the culprits are arrested and prosecuted,” the statement quoted the commissioner as saying.

Nwadiogbu urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding and avoid taking the law into their own hands or spreading unverified information capable of escalating tensions.

He also appealed to anyone with credible information that could assist the investigation to report to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency communication channels.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that the police would continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure those behind the killings are brought to justice.

Benue Police Condemn Killing of MACBAN Chairman, Launch Full Investigation