FG unveils technology to improve power supply

The Federal Government has launched the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of power supply across the country.

The SCADA system was unveiled by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, in the Gwagwalada area of Abuja on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.

Adelabu, who reiterated the federal government’s resolve to ensure grid stability for effective delivery of sustainable power supply, said 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.

The minister, who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Power, Emmanuel Nosike, said the initiative represented a technological upgrade, adding that the introduction of SCADA was part of the government’s strategic efforts to modernise power infrastructure and implement smart grid technologies.

He said: “As we strive to provide reliable electricity, we are also creating an environment conducive for 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.

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“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.”

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

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

The minister, however, urged stakeholders in the power sector to leverage the technology to enhance their operational capabilities and improve service delivery to Nigerians

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

Bukar said 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.

The Star