Olufemi Adeyemi
This innovative technology is expected to improve the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of the nation's energy supply, paving the way for a more stable energy future in Nigeria.
During a speech on Wednesday at the launch event in Abuja, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu highlighted the significant transformative potential of the new SCADA system.
“This initiative represents not just a technological upgrade; it also symbolizes our government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of power supply across the nation,” Adelabu stated.
The SCADA system facilitates real-time oversight and management of the national grid, allowing operators to identify faults, optimize load management, and react swiftly to power outages.
“We are ushering in a new era in the management and operation of the national grid,” Adelabu noted.
“By implementing this advanced technology, we are taking a bold step towards addressing some of the issues holding the sector down,” he added.
The SCADA system is an integral component of the larger Nigerian Electricity Transmission Access Project, which focuses on upgrading the country's power infrastructure and incorporating smart grid technologies.
The minister emphasized that this advancement supports the government's goal of ensuring energy security and increasing electricity access for all citizens of Nigeria.
“This is more than just a tool; it’s a key part of our strategic efforts to modernize our power infrastructure,” he remarked.
Dr. Sule Abdulaziz, the Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, emphasized the importance of the project.
“It is common knowledge that previously deployed SCADA/EMS projects have not achieved the intended objectives,” he said.
“However, rather than view them as failures, we see them as valuable lessons guiding us in this new deployment,” he added.
He elaborated that a dedicated team had been formed to learn from previous errors, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of this new initiative.
The SCADA system has been successfully integrated into essential infrastructure, including the Lagos Transmission Substation in Apapa, which now operates as a fully automated facility.
Abdulaziz highlighted several significant achievements, such as the installation of over 3,000 km of fiber optic cables and the deployment of SCADA equipment in more than 100 transmission substations nationwide.
Ndiame Diop, the World Bank Country Director, whose organization was instrumental in funding the project, conveyed a positive outlook regarding the SCADA system's influence on Nigeria's energy sector.
“This is history in the making. We have been partners with Nigeria for many years, and we believe this project marks a turning point in the effort to improve the Nigerian electricity supply industry,” he said.
Nevertheless, Diop acknowledged certain obstacles in project execution but reaffirmed unwavering support.
“Our plea is that the leadership in the Ministry of Power and TCN continue their efforts to ensure the timely completion of this project,” he added.
The introduction of the SCADA system signifies a significant advancement for Nigeria's power industry, heralding a new era of innovation and dependability.
As Adelabu noted, “The launch of this SCADA system is not merely a technological upgrade; it is a clear demonstration of our resolve to build a robust power sector that meets the needs of the present while being sustainable for the future.”
This initiative is anticipated to enhance private sector investment in Nigeria's energy market, thereby expediting growth in the power sector and propelling the country closer to its electrification objectives.