FG unveils advanced SCADA technology for national grid

The Federal Government has unveiled an advanced Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system for managing the national power grid.

This new technology promises to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of the country’s power supply, positioning Nigeria for a more stable energy future.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, in a speech delivered on Wednesday at the unveiling in Abuja by Emmanuel Nosike, emphasised the transformative impact 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 provides real-time monitoring and control of the national grid, enabling operators to detect faults, manage loads more efficiently, and respond promptly to 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 part of a broader initiative under the Nigerian Electricity Transmission Access Project, aimed at modernizing the nation’s power infrastructure and implementing smart grid technologies.

The minister added that this development aligns with the government’s objective of achieving energy security and expanding access to electricity for all Nigerians.

“This is more than just a tool; it’s a key part of our strategic efforts to modernize our power infrastructure,” he remarked.

The Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, Dr. Sule Abdulaziz also highlighted the significance 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 further explained that a special team had been established to avoid the mistakes of the past, ensuring the success of this latest initiative.

The SCADA system has already been integrated into key infrastructure, such as the Lagos Transmission Substation in Apapa, making it a fully automated facility.

Abdulaziz shared some of the milestones achieved, including the deployment of over 3,000 km of fiber optic cables and the installation of SCADA equipment in more than 100 transmission substations across the country.

World Bank Country Director Ndiame Diop, whose institution played a crucial role in financing the project, expressed optimism about the SCADA system’s impact 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.

However, Diop acknowledged some challenges in project implementation but assured continued 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 launch of the SCADA system represents a major step forward for Nigeria’s power sector, marking a new phase of innovation and reliability.

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 development is expected to bolster private sector investment in Nigeria’s energy market, further accelerating growth in the power sector and driving the nation towards achieving its electrification goals.