By Stella Odueme
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), has commenced a two-day Validation Workshop on the Technical Feasibility, Policy, and Regulatory Diagnostics Study for the adoption and implementation of Grid-Connected Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Nigeria.
Speaking at the workshop in Abuja in a statement on Tuesday, TCN’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. (Dr.) Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, represented by the General Manager, Engineering, Engr. Mojeed Akintola, called on stakeholders to critically review the study report and contribute meaningfully to discussions to ensure that the final recommendations reflect the realities of Nigeria’s power sector.
He described the initiative as both strategic and timely, noting that the deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems represents a forward-looking solution aimed at improving grid stability, enhancing operational efficiency, and strengthening electricity supply reliability across the country.
According to Engr. Abdulaziz, the project underscores TCN’s commitment, in partnership with AfDB, to addressing persistent system instability challenges while supporting the modernization of Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure.
Also speaking at the event, the Lead Consultant for the project, Prof. Tajudeen Humble Sikiru of the African Development Bank, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive review of the policy and regulatory framework.
He urged participants to pay close attention to every aspect of the report, stressing that the outcomes of the validation process would play a significant role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s electricity sector.
To facilitate a detailed assessment, participants drawn from key institutions across the power sector—including the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), and other stakeholder organizations—were divided into three working groups.
The groups reviewed assigned sections of the report, examining findings, identifying gaps and inconsistencies, and proposing recommendations to enhance the quality, relevance, and practicality of the final study. The exercise featured extensive stakeholder engagement and robust discussions, leveraging the expertise and operational experience of participants from across the electricity value chain.
Deliberations will continue on the second day of the workshop, with the working groups expected to consolidate their observations and recommendations for presentation during the plenary session.
The validation workshop represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to establish an enabling technical, policy, and regulatory framework for the integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems into the national grid, supporting broader objectives of energy security, grid resilience, and sustainable power sector development.
This version adopts a more formal corporate and business-reporting tone while maintaining all key facts and stakeholder positions.
