Victor EzejaThe Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued an order mandating all grid-connected power generation companies to fully integrate their operations with the new Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Energy Management System (EMS) by 31 December 2025.
According to the Commission, any GenCo that fails to comply with the deadline risks financial penalties and disconnection from the national grid.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe directive is contained in a new regulatory instrument released by the Commission on Wednesday, titled “Order on the Mandatory Integration of Grid-Connected Generating Units into the New SCADA/EMS for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.”
The order, signed by NERC Chairman Garba Sanusi and Vice Chairman Musiliu Oseni, took effect on 22 May 2025.
It aims to improve real-time power grid monitoring, operational efficiency, load dispatch, and reduce nationwide system disruptions by ensuring full visibility of electricity generation across the country.
“The purpose of this Order is to establish a structured framework for the mandatory integration of grid connected power plant generating units into the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (“SCADA”) and Energy Management System (“EMS”) for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (“NESI”),” part of the Order reads.
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“The Order further aims to, through the full integration of GenCos, enhance grid visibility and operational efficiency through real-time monitoring of grid operations to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Grid Code for the Nigerian Electricity Transmission System.”
Nigeria has experienced repeated national power grid collapses over the years, leading to widespread blackouts across the country. These collapses highlight systemic issues in the country’s electricity infrastructure.
The collapses of the national grid in recent years have been attributed to a lack of coordination between the assets involved in generation, transmission, and distribution.
An operational SCADA/EMS, which serves as the grid’s central nervous system, permits automated controls, prompt fault identification, and real-time generation output monitoring. Still, a lot of GenCos are not completely integrated into this system.
In order to solve this, NERC’s latest directive requires power generators to install data acquisition devices that are compatible with SCADA, make sure that their systems are compatible with the Transmission Company of Nigeria’s protocols, and grant the Nigerian Independent System Operator remote visibility.
The NERC Order cites relevant sections of the Grid Code, which require Gencos to ensure seamless communication and data exchange with the Transmission Company of Nigeria’s SCADA/EMS for system monitoring, fault detection, and load dispatch.
“Section 20.16 further requires the Gencos to ensure seamless communication and data exchange with the Transmission Company of Nigeria Plc SCADA/EMS for accurate system monitoring, fault detection, and load dispatch.
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“Section 20.16.1 of the Grid Code stipulates that SCADA Remote Terminal Units shall be required in all the control rooms of the System Operator and at the Off-taker’s boundary site and the generator’s control room for the transmission of signals and indications to and from the National Control Centre.”
It further stated that Section 20. 16.2 of the Code further provides that “Interface cabinets shall be installed in the relevant control room and the User shall provide and maintain wiring and signaling from the User’s Plant and Apparatus to the interface cabinet.
“The SCADA/EMS/System Telecommunications project being executed by the TCN has progressed substantially to a level that requires the integration of the power generation units in order to have a complete functional and efficient SCADA/EMS for the NESI.
“The order aims to, through the full integration of Gencos, enhance grid visibility and operational efficiency through real-time monitoring of grid operations to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Grid Code for the Nigerian Electricity Transmission System.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
