AI driving new era of efficiency in Nigeria’s power sector – NDPHC MD
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Jennifer Adighije, says Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming operations across Nigeria’s power sector by improving efficiency, reliability and power plant performance.
Speaking during an engagement with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Adighije said NDPHC has deployed AI-powered predictive maintenance technology across its generation assets to detect equipment faults before they occur.
According to her, the technology enables engineers to monitor the health of power plant equipment in real time, helping to prevent unexpected breakdowns, reduce forced outages and lower maintenance costs.
“We have moved beyond preventive maintenance to predictive maintenance,” Adighije said.
She explained that unlike conventional maintenance, which follows fixed service schedules, predictive maintenance relies on AI, machine learning, sensors and data analytics to determine the actual condition of equipment and accurately predict possible failures.
Adighije noted that the innovation is particularly improving the performance of NDPHC’s gas-fired turbines by allowing operators to track fuel efficiency, vibration, temperature and component wear before faults develop into major failures.
She said the adoption of AI is helping the company increase plant availability, improve electricity generation and strengthen the reliability of power supply across Nigeria.
The NDPHC Managing Director also stressed that digital technologies, automation and artificial intelligence will play a critical role in addressing long-standing challenges in Nigeria’s electricity sector, including inadequate generation, transmission constraints, technical losses and grid instability.
According to her, innovation remains at the centre of NDPHC’s strategy to deliver efficient, reliable and sustainable electricity in line with the Federal Government’s development objectives.
Adighije added that as electricity demand continues to rise, embracing advanced technologies is no longer optional but essential for ensuring stable, affordable and sustainable power supply for Nigerians.
