The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued an order threatening to disconnect power‑generating companies from the national grid if they fail to implement the Free Governor Control (FGC) across their generating units. The directive, signed on 26 August 2025 by NERC Vice‑Chairman Musiliu Oseni and Commissioner for Legal, Licensing & Compliance Dafe Akpeneye, will take effect on 1 September 2025.
In power generation, a governor is a control system that regulates the speed or output of a turbine or generator to maintain a stable frequency. The FGC mode allows the governor to adjust output freely in response to changes in grid frequency, automatically increasing or decreasing generation to match demand and thereby contributing to grid stability.
NERC has ordered that any generating company (GenCo) that fails to integrate and activate FGC on all generating units by 30 November 2025 will be liable for a penalty equal to a prorated 10 percent of the invoice associated with the defaulting unit. Moreover, any generating unit that records 90 consecutive days of FGC non‑compliance shall be disconnected from the grid.
The commission’s decision aims to enhance power‑generation reliability and stability in Nigeria’s grid. It seeks to establish a structured framework for strict compliance with operational frequency limits, transparent monitoring mechanisms, and penalties for violations of the Grid Code. NERC noted that the national grid experienced eight disturbances in 2024, resulting in five full system failures and three partial failures, partly due to non‑compliance by some GenCos.
To ensure compliance, NERC has mandated all grid‑connected GenCos to install a fast‑acting FGC in every generating unit, operable at all times by 30 November 2025. GenCos must also procure and supply a Grade Level 5 metering system with IoT‑based monitoring capabilities for each unit, enabling real‑time monitoring and enforcement of FGC compliance.
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) will be responsible for installing and integrating the IoT metering systems, as well as monitoring and enforcing strict compliance with FGC requirements. NISO will maintain real‑time monitoring, record hourly compliance reports on FGC operation across all units, and compile monthly reports for the commission to facilitate regulatory oversight.
The consequences for non‑compliance are significant, including penalties and potential disconnection from the grid for units that fail to meet FGC requirements. The order reinforces NERC’s commitment to ensuring the reliability and stability of Nigeria’s power grid and its determination to enforce strict compliance with the Grid Code.
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