From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), has reiterated its commitment to intensified its nationwide monitoring, testing, and inspection of electrical installations in ensuring safety, stability, and reliability of power networks across the country.
In a Press release by the Head Communications and Protocol, Mrs Ama Umoren, said, as Nigeria prepares to receive more investment both foreign and local in the renewable landscape, NEMSA has ramped up pre-energization inspections of renewable energy installations for electricity generation nationwide.
This she said, “in one of such recent field operations, NEMSA officials carried out technical inspections of the Afikpo 33kV feeder as well as the inspection of the Nibo Injection Substation in Ebonyi State where 31 critical defects were detected and reported for urgent correction. Consequently, the Agency has directed the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), to immediately rectify all identified defects to avert potential hazards that could lead to loss of lives and property.
“According to the inspection report submitted to NEMSA Headquarters in Abuja by the Enugu Inspectorate Office, led by Engineer Osita Obiukwu, they observed defects include right-of-way violations, vegetation encroachment, broken cross-arms, aged, weak, and undersized 33kV overhead conductors with multiple joints. The report also noted that several overhead lines were flying over residential and commercial premises, posing serious risks to the public.
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“Pursuant to the Electricity Act 2023, NEMSA is mandated to “enforce compliance with safety requirements for the construction, operation, and maintenance of electrical power plants, transmission systems, distribution networks, and electrical installations” as well as “provide comprehensive technical support services that assures the efficient production and delivery of safe and reliable electricity supply”, she said.
In a related development, NEMSA engineers have completed the testing and inspection of transformers in Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto States. Led by Engr. Armiyau Bello, the team inspected: A 500kVA, 11/0.400kV community transformer substation at New Layout, near Kebbi Capital College, off Sani Abacha Way, Birnin Kebbi; A 300kVA, 11/0.400kV relief transformer substation at Barakallah Area, Gusau, Zamfara State; and A 300kVA, 11/0.400kV relief transformer substation at Arkila Area, Sokoto, Sokoto State.
The inspections ensured that these installations meet NEMSA’s technical regulations and standards before full commissioning.
Also the NEMSA National Meter Test Station (NMTS), in Port Harcourt which has successfully completed the final phase of its bi-annual verification and calibration of meter-testing equipment under the supervision of NEMSA Headquarters.
According to Engr. Koproda Cyriacus, Head of NMTS Port Harcourt, the exercise was crucial to maintaining precision and integrity in all instruments used to test and certify electricity meters nationwide. He emphasised that similar calibration exercises are ongoing across all NEMSA meter testing centres to ensure accuracy in electricity billing and enhance consumer confidence in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
