=The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched an advanced Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, marking a major milestone in the management of the national power grid. The newly introduced technology is set to transform Nigeria’s power sector, enhancing efficiency, reliability, and sustainability across the country’s energy supply.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, underscored the transformative potential of the SCADA system. Represented by Emmanuel Nosike, Adelabu stressed the government’s commitment to addressing long-standing challenges in the power sector.
“This initiative is more than a technological upgrade—it represents our unwavering dedication to ensuring a stable, efficient, and sustainable power supply for Nigerians,” said Adelabu.
The SCADA system will enable real-time monitoring and control of the national grid, allowing operators to detect faults, manage electricity loads more effectively, and respond swiftly to outages.
“With this advanced technology, we are taking a bold step toward resolving key issues that have hindered the growth of our power sector,” Adelabu added.
The SCADA system is a critical component of the Nigerian Electricity Transmission Access Project (NETAP), a broader government initiative aimed at modernizing the nation’s power infrastructure. It also aligns with Nigeria’s goals of achieving energy security and expanding access to electricity for all citizens.
The Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Dr. Sule Abdulaziz, also spoke on the significance of the project, acknowledging past failures in SCADA deployments but emphasizing lessons learned.
“Previous SCADA projects may not have achieved their objectives, but we’ve used those experiences to guide the successful deployment of this new system,” said Abdulaziz.
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A dedicated team has been assembled to ensure the seamless implementation of this technology, with the SCADA system already integrated into major facilities, including the fully automated Lagos Transmission Substation in Apapa.
As part of the project, over 3,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables have been deployed, and SCADA equipment has been installed in more than 100 transmission substations across Nigeria, making it one of the most significant technological upgrades in the country’s power sector.
Ndiame Diop, the World Bank Country Director, whose institution provided critical financing for the project, expressed optimism about the long-term impact of the SCADA system on Nigeria’s energy landscape.
“We see this as a turning point for Nigeria’s electricity supply industry, and we are proud to be part of this history in the making,” Diop remarked, while also acknowledging the challenges faced during the project’s implementation.
The launch of the SCADA system is expected to encourage private sector investment in Nigeria’s energy market, fostering innovation and growth. As Nigeria continues to pursue its electrification goals, this technological upgrade is seen as a critical step toward building a robust and sustainable power sector.
“The SCADA system represents not just a technological leap, but a clear demonstration of our commitment to building a resilient power sector that can meet the demands of today while preparing for the future,” Adelabu concluded.
