ABUJA — The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has again locked horns with the popular X (formerly Twitter) account, “Nigeria National Grid,” formally distancing itself from the handle and urging the public to stop treating it as a credible source.

Despite a fresh disclaimer issued on June 5, 2026, declaring the account “unauthorized” and “unaffiliated,” the move has backfired, triggering a wave of backlash from Nigerians who argue that NISO is attacking the very platform that provides the transparency the agency itself lacks.

A Vacuum of Information

This isn't the first time NISO has tried to shut down the narrative; they issued a similar warning back in January 2026. However, the public’s reaction has been largely indifferent to the official stance.

For many, the “Nigeria National Grid” account is not a source of misinformation it is a vital utility. The handle has built a significant following by providing real-time tracking of megawatt generation, transmission fluctuations, and, most importantly, instant alerts on grid collapses. Journalists, energy analysts, and everyday citizens have come to rely on the account as their primary window into the state of the country’s power supply.

The Public Backlash

NISO’s insistence that the account is unauthorized has been met with blunt criticism. Nigerians on X argue that the account merely filled a "vacuum" left by the agency’s own lack of real-time communication.

"You slept too long, there was a vacuum and someone filled it," one user, #HolyMikel, wrote. Another user, #AhmadDacholom, pointedly highlighted the irony of the situation: the unofficial account carries a prestigious verification badge, while NISO’s own official X handle remains unverified.

Seeking Official Channels

While NISO continues to fight the unofficial handle, it has doubled down on directing the public toward its own channels for verified updates:

      •  X (Twitter): @OFFICIALNISO_NG

      •  Website: niso.org.ng

      •  Facebook/LinkedIn: Nigerian Independent System Operator

      •  Instagram: @officialniso_ng

For now, the digital power struggle continues. While NISO pushes for a return to official communication, the popularity of the "Nigeria National Grid" account suggests that until the agency can match the transparency and speed of its unofficial rival, Nigerians will continue to look elsewhere for the truth about their power supply.