The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has mandated all grid-connected power generation companies (GenCos) to fully integrate with the National Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system by December 31, 2025 — or face stiff sanctions.

According to NERC, the directive is part of a new regulatory framework titled “Order on the Mandatory Integration of Grid-Connected Generating Units into the New SCADA/EMS for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.” The order took effect from May 22 and was published on NERC’s website on Friday.

“The national grid has in recent years experienced several collapses, often traced to inadequate coordination between generation, transmission, and distribution assets,” the Commission said.

SCADA serves as the control hub of the power grid, enabling real-time monitoring, fault detection, and automated controls. NERC emphasized that full integration is crucial to improve operational efficiency, enhance load dispatch, and reduce nationwide system disturbances.

The Commission stated: “The integration shall include real-time data transmission of Active Power, Reactive Power, Frequency, Voltage, Status of Circuit breakers, and Fault alarms.”

It warned that non-compliance would attract financial penalties and possibly lead to disconnection from the national grid.

“Functional SCADA/EMS acts as the central nervous system of grid operations,” NERC said, noting that many GenCos are still not fully connected.

To ensure proper compliance, GenCos are required to install SCADA-compliant devices, adhere to Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) protocols, and allow visibility by the Nigerian Independent System Operator.

The Commission pointed to Section 12.2 of the Grid Code which mandates GenCos to provide real-time operational data, and Section 20.16, which emphasizes seamless data exchange and the installation of Remote Terminal Units in control rooms.

NERC added that the SCADA/EMS project by the TCN has progressed significantly and now requires full generator integration “to have a complete functional and efficient SCADA/EMS for the NESI.”

By enforcing this order, NERC aims to ensure “full visibility of electricity generation across the country” and to stabilize Nigeria’s fragile power grid.