Nigeria Unveils Advanced System to Transform Power Grid

The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched an Advanced Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to revolutionise the management of the national power grid, a move heralded as a game-changer for the country’s energy infrastructure. Officials claim that this technological leap will greatly improve the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of power distribution across Nigeria.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, represented by the acting Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Power, Emmanuel Nosike, underscored the SCADA system’s transformative potential. “This initiative represents not just a technological upgrade; it symbolises our government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the power supply nationwide,” Adelabu said.

The SCADA system offers real-time monitoring and control over the grid, enabling operators to detect faults, manage loads more efficiently, and swiftly respond to outages. “We are ushering in a new era in the management and operation of the national grid,” Adelabu remarked. “By implementing this advanced technology, we are addressing key issues that have held the sector back for far too long.”

This technological upgrade is part of a broader effort under the Nigerian Electricity Transmission Access Project, which seeks to modernise power infrastructure and introduce smart grid technologies. The SCADA system is seen as pivotal to achieving the government’s objective of energy security and extending access to electricity for millions of Nigerians.

“This is more than just a tool; it’s a key part of our strategic efforts to modernise the nation’s power infrastructure,” the Minister added, further emphasising that the project aligns with Nigeria’s long-term energy goals.

Dr Sule Abdulaziz, Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, echoed the Minister’s sentiments. Acknowledging that previous SCADA projects had fallen short, Abdulaziz stressed that lessons had been learned. “It is common knowledge that previously deployed SCADA/EMS projects have not achieved the intended objectives. But instead of viewing them as failures, we see them as valuable lessons guiding us in this new deployment,” he said.

He noted that the SCADA system had already been integrated into key transmission infrastructure, such as the Lagos Transmission Substation in Apapa, and over 3,000km of fibreoptic cables had been deployed alongside SCADA equipment in more than 100 transmission substations across the country.

Ndiame Diop, the World Bank Country Director, whose organisation provided crucial financing for the project, hailed the SCADA system’s launch as a historic moment for Nigeria’s energy sector. “This marks a turning point in the effort to improve the Nigerian electricity supply industry,” Diop said, though he acknowledged that challenges remain in project implementation.

The launch is expected to attract private sector investment into Nigeria’s energy market, with the promise of a more reliable and sustainable power supply. It signals a significant step towards achieving the country’s electrification goals and reducing dependence on outdated systems.

By advancing grid management and ensuring more stable electricity, the SCADA system is not just a technological advancement, but a demonstration of Nigeria’s intent to build a robust and sustainable power sector for the future.