By Benjamin Njoku

Industrial engineering expert, Adejumo Oladele, has shared key insights on building resilient and efficient power systems within Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, drawing from nearly two decades of experience managing complex industrial operations and energy infrastructure.

Speaking with industry stakeholders, Oladele explained that his engineering approach prioritises reliability, preventive maintenance, and efficient energy use to sustain optimal performance at industrial sites while minimising unnecessary costs.

“We want to design systems that not only work, but systems that can also last for a long time. We aim to construct a robust system that will support production activities without unnecessary wastage,” he said.

As Site Technical Manager at Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, Oladele oversees turbine plants, gas and diesel engines, LNG/CNG facilities, as well as utility systems. In this role, he ensures uninterrupted operations through strategic planning and precise engineering processes.

He noted that improving industrial efficiency requires a maintenance culture driven by accurate data and advanced engineering knowledge.

“Proactive maintenance ensures operational success. Once you couple maintenance programs with real-time monitoring technology, you change from solving problems to avoiding them altogether,” he added.

Oladele also emphasised the importance of integrating multiple energy sources to enhance reliability and reduce dependence on a single supply channel.

“Through the use of LNG, CNG and hybrid energy, facilities are able to keep their production running smoothly regardless of any variations in supply. This involves designing a flexible infrastructure in advance,” he said.

According to him, the application of these strategies has led to measurable improvements, including up to 99 per cent equipment uptime, a reduction in downtime by more than 20 per cent, and increased overall production efficiency.

“A few of our projects, where we enhanced production through optimisation of power distribution and maintenance schedules, have yielded impressive outputs alongside lower costs,” he said.

Beyond infrastructure, Oladele highlighted the critical role of leadership and teamwork in achieving sustainable results.

“Technology alone is never enough. What you need are capable people who understand the system and are willing to make continuous improvements. This capability is vital within teams,” he said.

Over the course of his career, Oladele has held executive roles in manufacturing firms such as Procter & Gamble and International Tobacco Company, where he managed utilities, led engineering projects, and introduced initiatives to improve plant reliability.

He further stressed that safety must remain central to all engineering practices to ensure both efficiency and compliance.

“Efficiency can only be attained in conjunction with safety. Sustainable processes must preserve both the system and its people,” he stated.

Looking ahead, Oladele said the future of industrial engineering in Africa will depend on smarter energy management strategies.

“It is time for industries in Africa to begin expanding their capacities, but with more sensible strategies when it comes to utilising energy sources,” he said.

Oladele’s blueprint continues to provide a practical framework for improving industrial performance, demonstrating how structured engineering practices can enhance productivity and strengthen the foundation of manufacturing operations.