Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are rapidly reshaping Nigeria’s electricity industry, with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) leading the adoption of cutting-edge technologies aimed at improving power generation and reliability across the country.
Speaking after an engagement with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) in Lagos, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Jennifer Adighije, revealed that digital innovations have significantly enhanced the efficiency and performance of the company’s power plants. She noted that AI-powered systems are helping operators detect potential equipment failures before they occur, reducing costly disruptions.
According to Adighije, NDPHC has moved beyond traditional preventive maintenance methods, which rely on fixed servicing schedules, to a more advanced predictive maintenance model. Using real-time data, machine learning algorithms, and smart sensors, engineers can continuously monitor equipment health and identify faults before they escalate into major operational issues.
The technology has proven particularly effective in managing gas-fired turbines and other critical power generation assets. Operators can now track important performance indicators such as fuel efficiency, vibration levels, temperature fluctuations, and component wear in real time. This enhanced visibility has helped reduce forced outages, lower maintenance expenses, and improve overall plant availability.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with challenges including inadequate power generation, transmission bottlenecks, technical losses, and grid instability, Adighije believes AI, automation, and digital analytics will play a crucial role in driving long-term solutions. She emphasized that embracing intelligent technologies is not only improving electricity generation today but also laying the foundation for a more reliable and sustainable power sector in the future.
source: newtelegraph
