With the two weeks’ visitation in the eight regions covering the country, concluded, there is more than convincing evidence to show that the Federal Government, the Ministry of Power and indeed the Transformation Company of Nigeria are ready to usher in the country for the next decades of high-tech performance; it is evident that by the end of 2027, Nigerians would have cause to rejoice when the ongoing constructions, reinforcements and replacements come into full swing operation.
Stories by Clement Ebaku, Lucy Adah, Prince Ebri and Ibrahim Isah, from Benin, Kaduna, Bauchi, and Enugu.
Let’s be sure that we know what we are talking about. The reform process initiated by the officials of the Transformation Company is not your run-of-the-mill project; almost all of them at the helm were not born when the story began; for them to embark successfully on this adventure requires not only professional competence, but administrative ingenuity as well. In case you don’t know, Nigeria’s electricity history actually began in 1896 with the first power plant in Lagos! This was followed by the establishment of the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria(ECN) in 1960 and the Niger Dam Authority in 1962. In 1972, NEPA, which we all know, especially the youths of today, came into existence. It was later renamed PHCN in 2006 before the sector was liberalized through a Reform process! The Lagos plant, when it was establishe,d came with a 60 KW.
Nevertheless, all that is in the past. Most Nigerians only want “performance”; they travel to other countries and see regularity in power supply; they marvel and wonder why it is not so in their country; but it takes time and financially consuming; the technicalities involved are too numerous; people see a mixture of and interconnection of wires but don’t know how it works; they also see the terrains, some swampy, others thick forest; they see “high tension” wires above their heads but don’t know the form it operates; who will tell them that the Transmission grid is not Radial as was the previous belief; but today, a lot of transformation has taken place with network loops and double circuit transmission lines in place to enhance grid visibility.
The old equipment in place, which is capital-intensive to replace, is giving way to double circuit lines and transmission line loops, which provide stability and reduce the risk of bulk power disruption, otherwise known as “grid collapse!” Unlike in the past, with analog operations, there is a bold drive towards digitalization enforcement; new platforms and tools are coming on board, along with upgrading existing systems for efficiency! The clincher is the smart introduction of the industrial-grade revolutionary Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition/Management System, known as the SCADA Control system; this is the final powerhouse for effective grid management and visibility control, especially now that most of TCN Substations have been digitalized.
At the moment, there are about 175 ongoing substations, transmission line projects, as well as control room projects all over the country. Several transmission lines have been re-conducted, and almost 90 transformers are being installed and also reinforced with modern accessories. Surprisingly, the levels of maintenance, regular inspection, prompt repairs, and implementation of proactive measures are now in place; the feedback on the ground was encouraging. Most staff interviewed agreed that these regular interventions have helped detect wear and tear vulnerabilities or emerging issues for prompt attention. What is evident in this current management is their alertness; they are responsive and committed to the task before them; above all, there is no pretense. Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdul-Aziz led leadership has proven that management is not rocket science.
A very simple and unassuming man, Engr. Sule Abdul-Aziz cuts the picture of the archetypal imam with strict religious discipline; one of the reporters who approached him for an interview was pleasantly surprised when the first-class Ahmadu Bello University graduate responded with such admirable ease, answering all the questions put forward to him. “I was taken aback by his indebt knowledge and expertise on the demands of his job”, was the way the reporter described his encounter with him. In reality, Abdul-Aziz fits the bill as the ideal workaholic to deliver the yearnings of Nigerians. Don’t forget that under the circumstances in which he operates, he deserves strong commendation for being able to maneuver around the hordes of distractions!
Sources close to the managing director disclosed that his dream of achieving the 20,000MegaWatts level is all about being counted as one who made the magic possible! “He knows a lot of financial avenues would be open to Nigerians once that feat is achieved”, disclosed the source. However, for Abdul-Aziz, what is paramount in his mind is consistency and results. “I know what I want and how to get it”, he once told a team of journalists in his office. And listening to him, the confidence is unmistakable. It is such confidence and posture that energizes the weak-minded! Mindset, that’s where it is all happening! Not one to forget where he is coming from, the managing director knows that without the requisite support initiatives, his reforms would come to naught; that’s why, as discovered, he has embarked on capacity building for the staff as well as creating a conducive work environment; not left out are the safety concerns for which he is taking seriously.
When cases of vandalism became rampant, Abdul-Aziz was not fazed; he engaged the security and got the situation under control! But the transformation process would not stop here; elsewhere, they are gravitating to solar-powered and windmill systems; a lot of innovations are emerging in this century to drive regular power stability. Nigeria has caught on, and they must stay on course! The verdict here is definite: we are not there yet, but we are certainly on the road to electricity stability in Nigeria!
