By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has handed over its newly completed control room building extension for the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition/Energy Management System (SCADA/EMS) at the Gwagwalada 330kV Transmission Substation to the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), marking a major step towards improving electricity grid management across the country.
The facility will serve as the nation’s temporary National Control Centre (NCC) pending the completion of the permanent control centre in Gwagwalada.
Speaking during the handover ceremony on Thursday, TCN Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, described the event as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen electricity transmission infrastructure and enhance grid reliability.
Represented by the General Manager, Project Coordination, Engr. Amini Tahir, Abdulaziz said the completion of the facility signified the beginning of a new era in national power coordination and efficient grid operations.
He explained that the building was originally designed to temporarily accommodate the newly acquired SCADA/EMS and telecommunications systems alongside operational personnel, but would now serve as NISO’s operational base until the permanent National Control Centre becomes operational.
According to him, the handover places full responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the facility on NISO.
“We believe this facility is key to improving grid management, enhancing system reliability and delivering better electricity services to Nigerians. Together, we are laying the foundation for a stronger and more resilient national grid,” he said.
The TCN boss also commended the World Bank for its continued support towards the successful execution of the project and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to collaboration, innovation and improved service delivery in the power sector.
Receiving the facility on behalf of NISO, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abdu Mohammed Bello, represented by the General Manager, System Planning, Engr. Kabir Adamu, described the handover as a critical development in strengthening the operational capacity of Nigeria’s electricity grid.
He noted that the SCADA/EMS system remains vital for modern grid operations and said the temporary control centre would provide NISO with the required environment to commence effective deployment of the technology.
Adamu assured that NISO would manage the facility efficiently while sustaining collaboration with TCN and other stakeholders to improve power system operations nationwide.
Also speaking, TCN Project Manager, Engr. Samuel Fakinlade, disclosed that upon completion of the permanent National Control Centre, all equipment and personnel currently operating from the temporary facility would be relocated, after which the building would revert to TCN.
The temporary National Control Centre houses newly installed SCADA/EMS and telecommunications equipment designed to support real-time monitoring, control and management of Nigeria’s electricity grid while the permanent facility is being completed.
