By Kenneth Oboh

In a groundbreaking achievement for Nigeria’s power sector, the Mercy Eneli Substation Enhancement project has set a new standard for reliable electricity supply in the country. Completed in February 2021 at Mercy Eneli Street, Surulere, the initiative aimed to provide round-the-clock electricity to a public community by integrating the national grid with a high-rating transformer, an advanced switching system, and a combination of diesel and solar power generators.

This pioneering approach, the first of its kind in Nigeria, was sponsored by the Lagos State Government and executed by the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), as the area falls within its service jurisdiction.

EKEDC contracted Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company Limited (MEMMCOL) to handle some aspects of the project execution.

Project Team and Leadership

The project was led by a team of dedicated engineers and managers, including:

• Ark Ifeanyi, Lead Project Engineer, EKEDC
• Engr. Jonathan Lawani, Project Manager, EKEDC
• Habeeb Olorukooba, Lead Project Engineer, MEMMCOL
• Engr. Badmus Abd-rahman, Project Manager, MEMMCOL
  Impact and Legacy

The Mercy Eneli Substation Enhancement project was the pilot initiative for a statewide electrification program. It successfully delivered uninterrupted electricity to approximately tens of homes in Surulere, making it a milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of reliable public power supply.

The success of this pilot project catalyzed the broader state electrification program, which has since brought constant electricity to over 2000 residential buildings across Lagos. The social and economic benefits of this initiative have been profound, boosting local businesses and improving the quality of life for residents.

This historic achievement marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s energy sector, showcasing the potential of hybrid power solutions to revolutionize the public electricity supply in urban communities.