The commitment was made on Monday, when the management of GOSERC visited the NISO corporate headquarters in Utako, Abuja, to explore areas of collaboration in developing the state’s electricity market.
Welcoming the delegation, NISO Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, congratulated the members of GOSERC on their appointments and commended Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for establishing the state electricity regulatory commission.
Mohammed described Gombe as a strategic commercial hub in the North-East with significant potential for growth in electricity demand and investment.
He said the state’s growing economic activities, particularly the development of an industrial park, made reliable and increased electricity supply critical to its economic development.
According to him, NISO was prepared to support GOSERC in exploring mechanisms that would enable Gombe to access more electricity and develop a sustainable business model for its electricity market.
“We will support you 100 per cent in exploring how to improve electricity supply in the state. We will collaborate with you to develop a sound business model that will enable the state to access more power,” Mohammed said.
The NISO boss also commended Governor Yahaya for being the first governor in the North-East to establish a state electricity regulatory commission, describing the move as an indication of the importance attached to electricity infrastructure and development.
He further urged GOSERC to regard Sabana, the electricity distribution company licensed to operate in Gombe State, as a strategic partner rather than a competitor.
According to him, closer cooperation between the state regulator and the distribution company would strengthen the electricity market and improve revenue generation.
Mohammed also identified Gombe’s natural resources, including its coal deposits, as potential assets that could support electricity generation and broader energy development.
He assured the delegation that NISO was ready to provide technical and on-the-job training to GOSERC officials in different aspects of electricity market operations.
Earlier, GOSERC Chairman, Dr. Usman Abba Arabi, said the delegation was at NISO to explore practical areas of collaboration aimed at improving electricity supply to residents and businesses in Gombe State.
Arabi disclosed that Gombe currently receives about 30 megawatts (MW) of electricity, despite having the potential to receive as much as 200MW, based on its estimated energy requirements and available capacity.
He said the state government had directed the commission to work towards significantly improving electricity supply, making collaboration with NISO critical to achieving the objective.
“Gombe State is currently receiving 30MW, whereas, in essence, its energy requirements and required capacity would allow it to receive up to 200MW,” Arabi said.
He added that approximately 30 mini-grid projects were already being developed across the state as part of efforts to expand electricity access.
However, he stressed the need for close coordination with NISO to ensure that the mini-grids and other emerging electricity market arrangements were properly integrated into the broader power system.
Also speaking, NISO Executive Director, Market Operations, Engr. Dr. Edmond Eje, advised GOSERC to ensure that all licensed electricity distribution companies operating within the state register with NISO as market participants.
Eje explained that the registration was necessary because the distribution companies would interface with the national electricity grid and participate in the wider electricity market.
He urged the state regulator to establish appropriate mechanisms for ensuring compliance with market rules and regulatory requirements.
On his part, NISO Executive Director, Finance and Corporate Services, Mr. Babajide Ibironke, assured GOSERC of the System Operator’s continued commitment to an open-door policy.
Ibironke said NISO, despite operating as a quasi-regulatory institution, remained committed to working with subnational electricity regulators to improve electricity supply across Nigeria.
He said stronger coordination between NISO and state electricity regulators would help create an integrated and efficient electricity market while supporting the development of local power solutions.
The meeting is expected to strengthen cooperation between NISO and GOSERC as Gombe State continues efforts to expand electricity supply, develop mini-grid infrastructure and attract investment into its emerging subnational electricity market.