Jennifer Adigije, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), says artificial intelligence is transforming Nigeria’s power sector.
He said AI and machine learning are improving operations across power plants, especially at NDPHC.
He disclosed this in a statement in Lagos on Sunday after a meeting with the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG).
The head of NDPHC said digital technology has significantly improved the efficiency, reliability and performance of the company’s entire power fleet.
She said NDPHC has implemented an AI-powered predictive maintenance system to identify equipment failures before they occur.
“We have moved from preventive maintenance to predictive maintenance,” Adigije said.
She explained that traditional preventive maintenance relied on fixed maintenance schedules for equipment checks.
However, he said predictive maintenance uses real-time data, machine learning and sensor-based monitoring.
Adigije said this approach allowed engineers to accurately assess the condition of equipment and predict possible failures.
He said the technology has reduced forced outages and reduced maintenance costs across the company’s operations.
The NDPHC chief said AI will be particularly useful in monitoring gas-fired turbines and related power generation equipment.
She explained that operators can now track turbine performance, fuel efficiency, vibration, temperature and component wear.
This has been made possible through advanced digital systems that provide real-time operational information, she added.
Mr Adigije said the innovation had increased the availability of power plants across the country and increased the efficiency of power generation.
He added that the technology is also helping to strengthen the reliability of electricity supply across the country.
According to her, AI, automation and digital analytics will become increasingly important in solving the sector’s challenges.
She cited insufficient power generation, transmission constraints, technical losses and grid instability as challenges.
Adigije said smart technology could improve demand forecasting, load balancing and power supply.
He pointed out that digital solutions have the potential to improve performance across the electricity value chain.
The head of NDPHC reaffirmed that innovation remains at the heart of its future growth strategy.
He said the company is committed to providing efficient, reliable and sustainable power generation.
“With the increasing demand for electricity and the growth of industry, the adoption of technology is essential,” she said.
Adigije stressed that stable and affordable electricity requires greater reliance on modern technological solutions.
NDPHC was established under the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) initiative. The company remains one of Nigeria’s largest power producers.
It also plays an important role in the development of electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure across the country.
(South)
