By Chidi Ugwu
The Federal Government on Wednesday officially performed a demonstration of a new advanced Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system aimed at enhancing the management of the national power grid.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, supervised the test-run in Abuja, emphasized that the initiative is not merely a technological upgrade but also reflects the government’s commitment to improving the efficiency and reliability of power supply across Nigeria.
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Daily Independent reports that the SCADA system will facilitate real-time monitoring and control, enabling quicker responses to outages and better load management.
Represented by Engr. Emmanuel Nosike, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power,
Adelabu said, “This marks a new era in grid operation,” highlighting the system’s capabilities for automated data collection and fault detection.
According to him, the implementation aligns with the Nigerian Electricity Transmission Access Project (NETAP), which aims to modernize power infrastructure and attract private sector investment.
“The SCADA system will enable us to monitor the entire electricity network from a centralized location, thereby ensuring that we can respond promptly to outages, manage loads efficiently and optimize the overall performance of our power systems. With features such as automated data collection, fault detection and remote-controlled operations, we are laying the groundwork for a more resilient and responsive power sector.
“This initiative aligns seamlessly with our broader vision of achieving energy security and expanding access to electricity for all Nigerians, which is the primary objective of the Nigerian Electricity Transmission Access Project (NETAP).
“The introduction of SCADA is part of our strategic efforts to modernize our power infrastructure and implement smart grid technologies. As we strive to provide reliable electricity, we are also creating an environment conducive to private sector investment, innovation and development in the energy market” he said.
In his remarks, Engr. Sule Abdulaziz, the Managing Director, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) emphasized the project’s significance highlighting the lessons learned from previous SCADA implementations that did not meet expectations.
Abdulaziz noted that a dedicated team was established to analyze past challenges and implement solutions for the current project.
“The World Bank has been instrumental in this initiative, providing oversight and expert consultancy throughout the process. The project has achieved significant milestones, including:Manufacturing and shipping of all necessary equipment; Training of 135 technical staff for SCADA operations; Deployment of over 3,000 km of fiber optic cable; and Installation of SCADA equipment in over 100 substations nationwide” he said.
World Bank Country Director Ndiame Diop expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact on Nigeria’s energy sector, noting that it could signify a turning point in improving electricity supply.
The completion of the SCADA system is anticipated by the end of Q4 2024, which is expected to improve grid monitoring and control capabilities significantly.
