By Tony Okoh, Abuja

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, MD/CEO, of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed has called for stronger synergy among stakeholders in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), warning that the decentralisation of the sector should create more opportunities for investment and growth rather than result in fragmented infrastructure and poorly coordinated development.

Making this declaration on thursdz Mohammed who made the call at the ongoing Africa Energy Leadership Summit 2026, holding at the Landmark Centre, Lagos, from October 27 to 29, said Nigeria’s evolving electricity market required a more coordinated approach to infrastructure planning, system operations and information management as more states establish their own electricity markets and regulatory institutions under the Electricity Act 2023.

He explained that the emergence of multiple electricity markets, independent transmission infrastructure providers, decentralized generation and new distribution networks was changing the demands on the country’s electricity system.

Mohammed said NISO was expanding its role beyond conventional grid operations to serve as a neutral technical integrator, system coordinator and market facilitator, providing the planning, operational and market coordination interfaces needed to ensure that different institutions and market participants function efficiently within the wider electricity ecosystem.

He however clarified that NISO’s evolving role did not make it a regulator of state electricity markets or diminish the statutory responsibilities of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and State Electricity Regulatory Authorities.

According to him, “effective coordination had become increasingly important as state electricity networks connect to the national transmission grid, exchange electricity across state boundaries or depend on shared transmission infrastructure. But poorly coordinated investments could undermine the benefits of decentralisation.”

To address these challenges, Mohammed said NISO was advancing the application of Integrated Resource Planning methodologies to ensure that investments in generation, transmission and distribution complemented one another, were technically compatible, economically justified and aligned with the industry’s long-term development needs.

While identifying digitalization and access to reliable industry data as essential to improving coordination, transparency and investor confidence, he disclosed that NISO was pursuing the development of a centralized NESI data infrastructure to consolidate, validate, manage and share critical industry information.

In his words, “Our vision is a Nigerian electricity industry that is decentralized in its development opportunities, integrated in its infrastructure planning, coordinated in its operations, transparent in its market administration and attractive to sustainable private investment.”

He urged state governments, regulators, investors, development partners and technology providers to work with NISO to translate the opportunities created by the Electricity Act 2023 into measurable improvements in electricity access, reliability, affordability and economic development.

By HallowMace Africa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request for National Assembly approval to secure $20.5 billion and €1.05 billion in external loans under the 2026–2027 Supplementary External Borrowing Plan raises fundamental questions about Nigeria’s debt sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and the independence of the legislature.

While external borrowing may be necessary to finance critical infrastructure, security, healthcare, education, agriculture, and other development priorities, Nigerians deserve clear answers about the purpose, cost, and long-term implications of such a substantial financial commitment.

The question is not whether Nigeria should borrow, but whether this borrowing is necessary, transparent, sustainable, and in the best interest of Nigerians.

With a general election approaching, the timing of this request deserves careful scrutiny. A borrowing plan of this magnitude should not be treated as an ordinary legislative formality or rushed through Parliament to meet an executive timetable.

Reports that the initial request lacks a detailed project-by-project breakdown, specific lender identities, and clearly stated interest rates and repayment terms make comprehensive scrutiny even more imperative.

The National Assembly must insist on full disclosure before reaching a decision.

What Should HallowMace Expect from the National Assembly?

– Demand full details before approval. Lawmakers must establish precisely how the funds will be utilised, which institutions will provide them, the applicable interest rates, repayment schedules, and the expected economic returns.

– Audit the impact of previous borrowings. Nigerians deserve an account of what previous loans have achieved. What projects have been completed? What remains outstanding? What tangible benefits have citizens received? Additional borrowing must not become a substitute for accountability.

– Protect legislative independence. The National Assembly must demonstrate that it is an independent arm of government, not a rubber stamp for the Executive. Its responsibility is to scrutinise, question, amend where necessary, and reject proposals that fail to meet the required standards.

– Consider the burden on future generations. Lawmakers must evaluate debt-servicing obligations, foreign-exchange risks, revenue projections, and the potential impact on public services. Development financing must not mortgage Nigeria’s future.

– Refuse unnecessary haste. If the required documentation is incomplete, the National Assembly should demand further information and allow adequate time for due diligence. The scale of this commitment warrants scrutiny, regardless of political considerations or electoral timelines.

At HallowMace Africa, we believe that lawmaking must take precedence over politicking, and national interest must prevail over political loyalty.

The credibility of the 10th National Assembly is on the line. This is an opportunity for lawmakers to reassure Nigerians that the legislature is capable of exercising meaningful oversight, even when the proposal before it comes from the President.

A strong President does not need a weak legislature. Indeed, a sound and independent legislature strengthens democracy, promotes accountability, and protects the public interest.

Our position is straightforward: Do not approve what you have not thoroughly scrutinised. Do not borrow without accountability. And do not sacrifice the future of Nigerians on the altar of political expediency.

The National Assembly must rise to its constitutional responsibility. Nigerians are watching, and history will judge the decisions made today.

HallowMace Africa……We treat the issues, not the people.

By George Mgbeleke

President Bola Tinubu has asked the National Assembly to approve a fresh supplementary external borrowing plan of $20.52 billion and €1.05 billion to fund infrastructure and social projects nationwide.

In a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read during plenary on Tuesday, Tinubu sought early approval of the Federal Government’s 2026-2027 Supplementary External Borrowing Plan to ensure prompt projects implementation.

He stated that the plan cuts across infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education, water supply, security, employment generation and financial management reforms.

According to the President, the total facility amounts to $20,517,755,901 and €1,045,083,643.

“I submit the attached Federal Government 2026-2027 Supplementary External Borrowing Plan for consideration and early approval of the National Assembly to ensure prompt implementation of our projects,” Tinubu wrote.

He said the projects were selected after thorough technical and economic evaluation for their contribution to socio-economic development, aimed at job creation, skill acquisition, entrepreneurship, poverty reduction and food security.

“These initiatives aim to generate employment, promote skill acquisition, foster entrepreneurship, reduce poverty and enhance food security, all of which improve the livelihood of the Nigerian child,” he said.

Tinubu said most of the projects will be implemented across the 36 states and the FCT, noting that huge infrastructure gaps require external borrowing to close financing shortfalls, particularly in power, transportation and healthcare.

In his remarks after reading the letter, Akpabio said the plan featured in earlier approved borrowing arrangements but still required legislative scrutiny.

“The borrowing plan is attached, but of course, this was even earlier approved in our budget, and also the external borrowing plan was approved as far back as 2025 to 2027, I think to 2028 or thereabout,” Akpabio said.

He referred the request to the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, in collaboration with Committees on Appropriations, and Finance, to report back in one week.