By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), the entity established to manage Nigeria’s electricity grid, has said that it was working to accelerate the implementation of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) to enhance grid monitoring.

The SCADA is a software and hardware system that enables industrial organisations to remotely monitor, control, and collect real-time data from machines and processes.

The Managing Director of NISO, Mr Abdul-Mohammed Bello, in a statement to outline some of the achievements the organisation recorded within one-year of its establishment, said efforts are being made to ensure completion to enhance the grid monitoring infrastructure, adding that this is in collaboration with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

”We are doing this to ensure that SCADA, which is a veritable tool for system operation, is completed.

“It is a work in progress, and we have also reached advanced stages in the deployment of the telemetry system across the grid at the electricity trading points,” he said.

Mr Bello said that the telemetry system would enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the electricity market, thereby enabling settlements in real-time.

“This is very critical for us to have accurate data and management aspects of the system.

“We have also been able to install substantial IoT metering systems on most parts of the generating units and at the interfaces between transmission and generation, and substations,” he said.

Mr Bello said that the IoT application was an ongoing project that NISO was prioritising.

He said that when the project is completed before the end of the year, there would be visibility of the national grid from generation through transmission lines, substations, and distribution.

“We are going to make sure that the approved transmission expansion plan is religiously implemented to add value to the system,” he said.

He also said that the board of NISO had been able to strengthen and execute Institutional development in the electricity regulatory sector.

He said that the system operator had prioritised the building of a strong and credible institution over the past year, and had already established governance and management structures to support independent system operations.

“We have been able to establish governance and management structures to support independent system operations both at the board level and at the management level.

“We have also strengthened institutional coordination across the electricity value chain, from generation to transmission, distribution, and energy cost management. This is to foster a culture of accountability, professionalism and performance throughout the sector value chain,” he said.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Mikano International Limited has refuted allegations linking its chairman, Mr Mofid Karameh, to criminal activity.

In a statement on Friday, the company described as false a report by an online news platform that Mr Karameh was involved in, investigated for, or associated with illegal activity.

“These claims are entirely unfounded, baseless, and defamatory,” the firm said, describing such allegations as “a gross misrepresentation of his character and the values he upholds.”

“For more than three decades, Mikano International Limited has built a solid reputation grounded in integrity, transparency, and responsible business conduct across Nigeria and beyond.

“We take this reputation seriously and are deeply concerned by the dissemination of unverified information capable of misleading the public and unjustly harming both personal and corporate credibility.

“We urge our partners, clients, and the general public to disregard the report in its entirety,” the statement made available to Business Post said.

Mikano said it was “currently reviewing all available legal options and will take appropriate action to defend the reputation of our chairman and the organisation.”

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence across all sectors in which we operate and sincerely appreciate the continued trust and support of our stakeholders,” it stressed.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians and the media to stand with the military to end terrorism in the country.

In a statement issued on Thursday night to mourn the loss of soldiers of the 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation HADIN KAI in Benisheikh, Borno State, in the early hours of today, Mr Tinubu “expressed deep sadness” over the incident.

Some Boko Haram terrorists had launched a coordinated terrorist attack on the military camp, killing Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah and others.

While praising the courage and heroism of the dead soldiers, the President urged the leadership of the Armed Forces and all soldiers on the frontline not to be discouraged, but to draw strength from the nation’s deep appreciation for their sacrifices.

“From the reports I have received, our armed forces have been conducting sustained, intense land and air offensives against the insurgents, neutralising many of their fighters and commanders. The insurgents’ counterattack is a sign of desperation.

“I extend my condolences to the families of our gallant soldiers, led by Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of our country today in Borno State. The government will never forget their sacrifices. Their sacrifices will not be in vain. Because of the courage and dedication of our troops on the frontline, our resolve to defeat terrorism and all forms of violence across Nigeria is stronger than ever.

“I urge the military high command and our troops in all theatres of operation: Do not lose heart, do not be weary, do not be discouraged. Our officers and men should continue to serve with honour, courage, and patriotism. The government will always stand by the Armed Forces, provide more of the equipment needed and ensure the welfare of all who risk their lives for our safety.

“I urge Nigerians and the media to continue to support our military in their relentless battle against insurgency and banditry. We should desist from celebrating or condoning the attacks against our troops. These soldiers are our heroes; unforgettable and irreplaceable.

“My condolences also go to the government and people of Borno State. The federal government will continue to work with the state government to achieve total victory and lasting peace,” Mr Tinubu was quoted as saying in the statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.