The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has assured the public of its plans to deploy the World Bank-sponsored Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system by the end of the fourth quarter of 2024.
TCN Steering Committee Chairman on the implementation of the World Bank SCADA/EMS and Telecommunication project, Engr. Balarabe Abdullahi, gave the assurance at a meeting to evaluate the work of the committee, on Thursday in Abuja.
SCADA is a system that allows for perfect monitoring and control of field devices at a remote location. When deployed it would help TCN to monitor and control activities of electricity generating companies, distribution companies, and the transmission network.
Commending members of the committee for their efforts towards ensuring the smooth implementation of the project, Engr Abdullahi who is also the General Manager, Technical Services (TCN) said, all is now set for the full deployment of the new SCADA system.
He stated that the deployment would help reduce most of the challenges associated with the efficient supply of electricity in the country.
According to him, the steering committee has worked tirelessly with the contractor and staff of TCN across the country to identify possible challenges that can hinder the execution of the project.
He stated that some gaps have been identified and the committee was set to meet with TCN management to find ways to resolve them.
Presenting the report of the steering committee on the rehabilitation of the World Bank SCADA for internal review, TCN Executive Director, Independent System Operator, Engr. Mamman Lawal said all equipment for the project has been imported into the country.
However, he noted that contractors were having problems with the payment of 7.5 percent Value-Added Tax (VAT) as the waiver extended to the industry expired last year.
He called on the management of TCN to reach out to the federal government so as to renew the waiver as the cost component of VAT was not included in the initial plan.
According to him, staff of TCN have been sent to Europe and China for training in every area including the technical and telecommunication management of the SCADA system when deployed.
