The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of  Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Jennifer Adighije, says artificial intelligence is transforming Nigeria’s power sector. 

She said AI and machine learning were improving operations, especially across the NDPHC’s generation plants. 

She disclosed this in a statement in Lagos on Sunday after her engagement with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).

The NDPHC boss said digital technologies had significantly enhanced efficiency, reliability and performance across the company’s power facilities. 

According to her, the NDPHC has introduced AI-powered predictive maintenance systems to identify equipment faults before failures occur. 

“We have moved beyond preventive maintenance to predictive maintenance,” Ms Adighije said. 

She explained that traditional preventive maintenance depended on fixed servicing schedules for equipment checks.

However, she said predictive maintenance uses real-time data, machine learning and sensor-based monitoring.

Ms Adighije said the approach allowed engineers to accurately assess equipment conditions and anticipate possible faults. 

She noted that the technology had reduced forced outages and lowered maintenance costs across the company’s operations.

The NDPHC boss said AI was particularly useful for monitoring gas-fired turbines and related power-generation equipment. 

She explained that operators could now track turbine performance, fuel efficiency, vibration, temperature and component wear. 

This, she added, was possible through advanced digital systems providing real-time operational information.

Ms Adighije said the innovation improved plant availability and increased electricity generation efficiency nationwide.

She added that the technology was also helping strengthen electricity supply reliability across the country.

According to her, AI, automation and digital analytics would become increasingly important in solving sector challenges.

She listed inadequate generation, transmission limitations, technical losses and grid instability among the challenges.

Ms Adighije said smart technologies could improve demand forecasting, load balancing and electricity dispatch.

She noted that digital solutions could enhance performance throughout the electricity value chain.

The NDPHC chief reaffirmed that innovation remained central to the company’s strategy for future growth.

She said the company was committed to delivering efficient, reliable and sustainable power generation. 

“With rising electricity demand and industrial growth, technology adoption is essential,” she said.

Ms Adighije stressed that stable and affordable electricity required greater reliance on modern technological solutions. 

The NDPHC was established under the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP) initiative. The company remains one of Nigeria’s largest power generation firms. 

It also plays a major role in developing transmission and distribution infrastructure across the country.

(NAN)