The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu has reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to ensure grid stability for effective delivery of sustainable power supply.

Adelabu said this at the demonstration of the New Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

He was represented by Mr Emmanuel Nosike, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are used for controlling, monitoring, and analysing industrial devices and processes.

The minister said that the initiative represented a technological upgrade, and also symbolises the government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of power supply across the country.

According to him, the SCADA system will empower the power sector with real-time monitoring and control capabilities that are crucial for quick decision-making and effective management of the grid.

He said that the introduction of SCADA was part of the government’s strategic efforts to modernise 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.

”By implementing this advanced technology, we are taking a bold step towards addressing some of the issues holding the sector down.

”The SCADA system will enable us to monitor the entire electricity network from a centralised location, thereby ensuring that we can respond promptly to outages,” he said.

He said that it would also help to manage loads efficiently and optimise the overall performance of the power systems.

Adelabu said that with features like automated data collection, fault detection and remote-controlled operations, the government was laying the groundwork for a more resilient and responsive power sector.

He said that the initiative aligned seamlessly with the government’s broader vision of achieving energy security and expanding access to electricity for all Nigerians.

According to him, that is the primary objective of the Nigerian Electricity Transmission Access Project (NETAP).

He urged stakeholders in the power sector to leverage the technology to enhance their operational capabilities and improve service delivery to Nigerians

”Together, we can transform the power sector into a driver of national development and economic growth.

”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.

”It will also be sustainable for the future. Let us seize this moment to collaborate, innovate and propel Nigeria towards a brighter, electrified future,” he said.

The minister acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders like the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN); the end user, and the World Bank; the financier.

He also acknowledged the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC); the regulator, and the contractor, who have worked tirelessly to bring the project to fruition.

“As we move forward, I urge all the players in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) to embrace the opportunities this SCADA system offers,” the minister said.

On his part, Mr Bunu Bukar, Task Team Lead, World Bank, said that the project would mark the end of all attempts made in the past to have a functional SCADA in Nigeria.

Bukar said that the World Bank had been partners with Nigeria for several years supporting the country and TCN with the SCADA, and ensuring that its electricity supply industry improved.

He appealed to the Ministry of Power and TCN for all the needed support to ensure that the project was finished within the timeframe given.

”The bank will give all the support needed for the project to be completed in good time,” he said.
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Earlier, Mr Sule Abdulaziz, the Managing Director of TCN, said that the project was set to change the landscape of system operations in the NESI.

Abdulaziz said that the project would ensure operational efficiency using state-of-the-art equipment to monitor and control the grid.

According to him, the project will also ensure global visibility of the transmission network, thereby empowering the operator with the tools to make informed decisions resulting in improved grid management.

“Other areas where the project will be of benefit to the power sector include Retum of Investment (ROI) through improved power quality. reliability, and stability.

”This will encourage large industries that previously avoided the grid due to poor power quality to connect thereby increasing revenue from the electricity. market.

”Utilisation of the SCADA Energy Management Services (EMS) tools to improve grid performance and reduce transmission losses, saving the sector millions of naira daily,” he said.

He said that the project would also be useful in leasing dark fibre from the newly installed 48-core fibre optic cable and broadband services.

“It will ensure increased transparency and accountability in market operations, leading to substantial savings for the sector.

It will also ensure fewer power outages, leading to increased power consumption and revenue,”he said.

Abdulaziz said that completing the project offered far-reaching benefits that extended beyond what can be fully described.

He said that this demonstration of the SCADA system was an opportunity to showcase where TCN started, where it is, and what it hoped to achieve in the coming months.

”We seek the support of our key stakeholders who we regard as partners, in the extension of the NETAP to ensure the completion of all outstanding works, ”he said.