By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has directed all grid-connected Power Generation Companies (Gencos) to fully integrate their operations into the National Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system by December 31, 2025.

SCADA/Energy Management System (EMS) serves as the central nervous system of grid operations—enabling automated controls, real-time fault detection, and live monitoring of power generation output.

According to the commission, Gencos that fail to comply with this directive will face significant financial penalties and possible disconnection from the national grid.

The directive contained in a newly released regulatory framework titled: Order on the Mandatory Integration of Grid-Connected Generating Units into the New SCADA/EMS for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, and published on NERC’s website on Friday and took effect from May 22.

It was signed by NERC Chairman, Mr Garba Sanusi, and Vice Chairman, Mr Musiliu Oseni.

According to the regulator, the integration will include real-time data transmission of the following parameters: active power, reactive power, frequency, voltage, status of circuit breakers, and fault alarms.

It also said that the document further provided many other details required from the Gencos and other operators in the sector.

The organisation said the order seeks to strengthen real-time monitoring of the power grid, improve operational efficiency, enhance load dispatch, and reduce nationwide system disturbances by ensuring full visibility of electricity generation across the country.

”The national grid has in recent years experienced several collapses, often traced to inadequate coordination between generation, transmission and distribution assets.

‘Functional SCADA/EMS acts as the central nervous system of grid operations, enables automated controls, timely fault detection, and live monitoring of generation output.

”However, many GenCos are still not fully connected to this system, ”it said.

The commission said that the new order compelled power generators to install SCADA- compliant data acquisition devices, ensure compatibility with the TCN’s protocols and allow remote visibility by the Nigerian Independent System Operator.

“Pursuant to Section 12.2 of the Grid Code for the Nigeria Electricity Transmission System (the “Grid Code” or the “Code”), all the generation companies are mandated to provide real-time operational data to the Nigerian Independent System Operator through the SCADA/EMS to facilitate effective grid management.

”Section 20.16 further requires the Gencos to ensure seamless communication and data exchange with the Transmission Company of Nigeria SCADA/EMS for accurate system monitoring, fault detection, and load dispatch.

”Section 20.16.1 of the Grid Code stipulates that SCADA Remote Terminal Units shall be required in all the control rooms of the System Operator and at the Off-taker’s boundary site and the generator’s control room for the transmission of signals and indications to and from the National Control Centre.” it said.

NERC also noted that Section 20.16.2 of the code further provided that interface cabinets shall be installed in the relevant control room, and the user shall provide and maintain wiring and signalling from the user’s plant and apparatus to the interface cabinet.

It said that the SCADA/EMS/System Telecommunications project being executed by the TCN had progressed substantially to a level that required the integration of the power generation units to have a complete functional and efficient SCADA/EMS for the NESI”

It said that the order aimed to, through the full integration of Gencos, enhance grid visibility and operational efficiency through real-time monitoring of grid operations to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Grid Code for the Nigerian Electricity Transmission System.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has resolved to work with security agencies to arrest and prosecute vandals of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) across Nigeria.

The Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC, Mr Aminu Maida, said during an interactive session with the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) on Thursday in Abuja that telecom services are crucial for ensuring national security, particularly in addressing issues that require effective communication.

Over the years, Nigeria’s critical infrastructure, especially for telecommunications, have been affected by several external factors including bandits and vandals, leading to call for interventions.

The NCC helmsman said that achieving national security would be impossible without effective telecommunication.

Mr Maida who was represented at the event by Mrs Nnena Ukoha, Head, Corporate Communications Management, Public Affairs Department said, “Anyone found liable for damaging or disrupting CNII will be prosecuted going forward.

“We are working with relevant agencies like the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to tackle these problems and prosecute offenders.

“We started highlighting the need for an order to protect the infrastructure so that people will know that those infrastructure are critical to service provision.

“We all know that telecommunication services are now vital in all aspects of the economy. If the infrastructure are not well maintained all socio-economic activities will be affected,” he said.

He also said that a stable telecommunication infrastructure is essential for every sector of the economy.

“We all know that telecommunication infrastructure plays a vital role in national security due to increasing cyber threats and vulnerabilities that can damage and disrupt communication infrastructure.

“Telecommunication also plays a vital role in public welfare, contributing to the growth of a digital society.

“It provides an enabling environment for socialisation and access to services. Without a robust telecommunication infrastructure, the public cannot fully enjoy these services provided,’’ he said.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has launched a new initiative, Pension Boost 1.0, under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), aimed at increasing monthly pension payments to retirees to N12 billion.

According to the pension industry regulator, the initiative, which became effective in June, will see total monthly pension payouts increase from N8.3 billion to N11.9 billion.

The Director-General of PenCom, Ms Omolola Oloworaran, disclosed this during the commission’s second-quarter media briefing in Lagos on Thursday that the increase would directly benefit over 233,000 retirees, depending on their Retirement Savings Account (RSA) balances.

“We are introducing Pension Boost 1.0. This is the news every retiree has been waiting for.

“Effective this month, total monthly pension payments under the CPS will rise from N8.3 billion to N11.9 billion. This will directly benefit over 233,000 retirees, depending on their pension account balances,” she said.

The DG described the initiative as a strategic leap made possible by strong RSA investments and bold economic reforms under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

“This is not a token gesture. It’s a result of sound investment returns and a visionary framework for pension enhancement.

“It is driven by our newly modified standard pension enhancement template, a transparent structure that allows upward pension adjustments as investment returns increase. This is just the beginning,” she stated.

The PenCom boss also revealed that the backlog of pension arrears had been nearly cleared, with all retirees up to March 2025 now having received their accrued pension rights and monthly entitlements.

She commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a N758 billion bond to settle outstanding pension liabilities, describing it as a landmark move demonstrating the government’s dedication to the welfare of Nigerian retirees.

“Thanks to the decisive leadership of President Tinubu, we’ve seen stable and consistent releases of funds for accrued rights since November last year. The end of pension arrears is very, very near.

“President Tinubu’s approval of the N758 billion bond to clear pension liabilities is further proof that this administration is rewriting the retirement narrative in Nigeria,” she stressed.

Ms Oloworaran said the agency was focused on building a transparent, inclusive, and resilient pension system.

“We are restoring faith in retirement. We are rewarding work with dignity,” the DG added.

She also issued a warning to defaulting employers and complacent pension operators.

“To employers with late pension remittances, your grace period is over. To operators who remain complacent, there will be consequences. And to every Nigerian worker, we see you, we hear you, and we will protect your future.

“Let the pension industry take note: this is a new era, and we are not going to turn back. We will continue to move forward,” Ms Oloworaran said.