By Oke Peter
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has officially handed over the Control Room Building Extension housing 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 another step toward improving electricity grid management across the country.
The facility, located in Abuja, will serve as the temporary National Control Centre (NCC) for NISO pending the completion of the permanent National Control Centre in Gwagwalada.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of TCN, Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, described the event as a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria's electricity transmission network. Represented by the General Manager, Project Coordination, Engr. Amini Tahir, Abdulaziz said the completion of the project signified the beginning of a new era in grid management and national power coordination.
He explained that the building was specifically designed to provide temporary accommodation for the newly installed SCADA/EMS and telecommunications systems, as well as operational personnel responsible for managing the national grid. According to him, the facility will provide NISO with the infrastructure required to oversee grid operations more efficiently until the permanent National Control Centre is completed.
Abdulaziz noted that with the formal transfer of the facility, NISO would assume full responsibility for its operation and maintenance. He expressed confidence that the development would enhance grid reliability, improve system stability and ultimately lead to better electricity service delivery for Nigerians.
The TCN boss also acknowledged the World Bank for its continued support in the execution of the project, reaffirming the company's commitment to collaboration, innovation and operational excellence as the power sector continues its transformation.
Receiving the facility on behalf of NISO, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abdu Mohammed Bello, who was represented by the General Manager, System Planning, Engr. Kabir Adamu, commended TCN for the successful delivery of the project. He described the handover as a significant boost to NISO's capacity to effectively manage the national electricity grid.
According to Bello, the SCADA/EMS remains a critical component of modern grid operations, adding that the temporary control centre provides NISO with the necessary operational environment to commence the deployment and utilisation of the system. He assured stakeholders that the organisation would manage the facility responsibly while sustaining collaboration aimed at improving the nation's electricity supply.
TCN's Project Manager, Engr. Samuel Fakinlade, disclosed that the temporary arrangement would remain in place until the permanent National Control Centre is completed. He explained that upon completion of the permanent facility, all equipment and personnel currently operating from the temporary control centre would be relocated, after which the building would be returned to TCN.
The temporary National Control Centre houses the newly installed SCADA/EMS and telecommunications infrastructure designed to support real-time monitoring, coordination and management of Nigeria's transmission grid, providing a critical operational platform as work progresses on the permanent National Control Centre.
