With over 85 million Nigerians lacking access to reliable electricity and businesses struggling with high operational costs due to power instability, the need for greater investment in solar energy has become more critical than ever.

PPC Power Division is committed to providing cutting-edge solar power solutions that will reduce dependence on the national grid and improve access to clean, affordable electricity.

Speaking on the urgent need for alternative energy solutions, Engr. Kelechi Onuigbo (PhD), head of Power Division at PPC, emphasized the critical role of solar power in bridging Nigeria’s energy gap.

“Nigeria’s power sector has faced persistent challenges, including insufficient generation capacity and infrastructure deficits. Rising electricity tariffs further strain households and businesses. At PPC Power Division, we are promoting solar energy as a viable solution to these challenges. Through scalable solar installations, hybrid systems, and smart energy storage solutions, we aim to provide Nigerians with uninterrupted and cost-effective power supply.

“Our solar energy solutions are designed for diverse applications catering to residential estates, large-scale commercial and industrial projects. We actively collaborate with key stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector players, and development organizations, to accelerate the adoption of solar power across Nigeria.”

Engr. Onuigbo further reiterated the importance of public-private partnerships in scaling solar energy adoption, calling on the government and private sector to work together to create an enabling environment for solar power investments.

He also stressed that incentives, infrastructure support, and regulatory reforms are crucial in making renewable energy more accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.

The company was honoured by Mobius MEA, a Value-Added Distributor of security products and solutions in the Middle East and Africa regions. This award reflects PPC’s outstanding record performance with Mobius in 2022.

The annual Systems Integrator Excellence Award convened by Mobius MEA recognizes distinguished partners by way of excellent performance in the design, installation and integration of complex security systems.  

Presenting the award, Business Development Manager (WECA) at Mobius, Mr. Adeniyi Ajayi, commended PPC for its accelerated growth in the partner ecosystem, adding that the award paves the way for more remarkable growth within the network.  

Receiving the award at PPC head office on Tuesday, Mr Ayo Grillo, the Managing Director, PPC Limited, expressed appreciation to the Mobius team for the honour.

He said, “We believe that this award is a validation of our commitment to improving security infrastructure for our clients and providing them with customizable solutions. We are honoured to receive this prestigious award and will continue to strive towards delivering best-in-class security and surveillance solutions.”

He added that PPC as a leading provider of high-end engineering and network infrastructure in the country would continue to uphold its core values of innovation, integrity, and respect for people whilst maintaining best practices in project execution and delivery.

PPC has an impressive track record of both national and international recognition and was a recent recipient of the Alcatel-Lucent Best Sales 2022 Partner​​award (English Speaking Africa).

The engineering leader remains committed to deepening its relationship with partners and creating winning experiences for clients.

PPC

PPC (formerly Philips Projects Centre) is a wholly Nigerian-owned multi-competency engineering and infrastructure development company. Its core activities are primarily geared towards providing specialized integrated turn-key solutions for projects in ICT, Energy, Power, Healthcare, Building Engineering and other utility sectors.

Following a strategic buyout from the Dutch parent company – Philips Electronics N.V. of the Netherlands, the company commenced business in 1991.

Today, the company is a Principal Global Partner for Philips M.S. International B.V, and leads in the provision of high-end engineering and ICT solutions premised on cutting-edge technology.

With intensified efforts by the Nigerian government to reduce the economy’s dependence on fossil fuel by introducing new energy sources, Engr Kelechi Onuigbo, the Head of Power Division at PPC, says the transition to clean energy will bring immense economic and climate benefits to Nigeria and the African continent at large.

Commenting on the potential of renewable energy sources in Nigeria, he emphasized that the adoption of clean energy will accelerate the attainment of net zero emission while boosting revenue, promoting energy security and the overall quality of life of Nigerians.

The Nigerian government has expressed commitment to achieving carbon neutrality, ending energy poverty, lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty, driving economic growth, and ensuring universal access to modern energy services.

With the right investment in renewable energy, Onuigbo said Africa’s biggest economy could transition seamlessly from its over-reliance on crude oil to solar, natural gas or wind.

He added that the deployment of renewable energy for electricity generation, transportation, agriculture and for industrial energy consumption will help the country meets its target of reducing greenhouse gases by 20% unconditionally, and 47% conditionally by the year 2030.

Engr. Onuigbo said, “As Nigeria’s energy needs continue to grow, renewable sources of energy can play a pivotal role in meeting the country’s energy needs. We must collaborate with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that we have the right mix of energy sources. Renewable energy is a key component of this mix, and it is important that we make the right investments at this time.”

“With the electricity demand expected to increase in the coming years, there is need for rapid expansion of renewable electricity infrastructure such as solar farms, solar tracking and monitoring systems as well as with energy storage systems.”

According to him, solar energy affords functional versatility and can be used for a variety of purposes, including powering electric vehicles as well as powering heating and cooling systems for buildings.

He added that solar energy has been proven to produce significantly higher cost savings in comparison to conventional energy sources.

He also noted that the widespread availability of sunshine in the country is a great energy resource.

PPC is a market leader in the procurement, installation, commissioning and maintenance of renewable infrastructure. With a track record spanning over 25 years, PPC has assisted a diversified portfolio of companies across diverse industries to develop hybrid renewable energy systems to power their operations.

While commenting on the frequent collapse of the national power grid, the attendant blackouts and its disruption of business activities, Dr Kelechi Onuigbo, the Head of Power Division at PPC, advised businesses to look into cost-effective alternative power solutions for uninterrupted power supply.

ALSO READ: PPC Equips Nizamiye Hospital with Cath-Lab

He noted that even though solar panel installation and its storage systems have become more affordable, the efficiency of photovoltaic panels have not diminished in any way but improved with constant research and innovation.

As part of the global decarbonization and energy transition drive, the Nigerian government has demonstrated commitment by commissioning off-grid electricity projects that will ensure all Nigerians have uninterrupted electricity through investment in solar-powered mini-grids.

The Federal Government is implementing different initiatives targeted at achieving at least 30,000MW generation by 2030 with 30 per cent from renewable energy sources.

The energy expert commended the Federal Government for providing robust incentive programmes that ensured corporations and government facilities enjoy stable electricity through off-grid energy sources.

Onuigbo said, “It’s important for energy access to keep pace with population growth in the country. This is why we are advocating for increased investment in off-grid alternative energy solutions that provide stable electricity in the event of natural disasters or power outages. We are proud to be at the forefront of the drive for renewable energy in view of the climate change realities and the frequent collapse of the national grid.”

“The one-time investment and low maintenance of solar installations make it an affordable and preferable alternative power option for businesses and households. Constant electricity is key to survival of businesses and that is why PPC is committed to supporting organizations in bridging the infrastructure gap in Nigeria’s power sector.”

According to him, rapid advances in technology and available financing facilities has encouraged manufacturers to invest in expanding their production capacity, which has lowered the cost of solar panels.

He explained that solar panels can generate major utility savings for businesses that are considering reducing electricity costs, carbon emissions, or both.

PPC is dedicated to ensuring equitable electricity access in Nigeria and has over the years invested in grid infrastructure as well as affordable renewable energy solutions.

The project involved the installation of Philips Azurion 3 F15 Cath-Lab, a smart imaging equipment, designed to perform a wide range of routine and complex clinical procedures with clear imaging resolutions that helps clinicians optimize lab performance.

Through PPC’s partnership with Philips, a global leader in health technology, Nizamiye hospital was equipped with the capability to perform image-guided therapy that allows the hospital to give superior care and perform clinical procedures with ease.

The use of the innovative Philips Azurion Cath-Lab will help clinicians at Nizamiye Hospital administer reliable and ​precise medical diagnostics while carrying out smooth clinical interventions.

PPC’s expertise in ELV installation enabled the seamless installation of all electrical systems, lighting, UPS systems, hemodynamics and electrophysiology systems in the Cath-Lab.

Dr Chikara Nwoke, the Head of PPC Healthcare, said, “The project is one of the many ways PPC collaborates with hospitals, supports patient care and improves the quality of healthcare delivery in the country. The need to ensure patients are given the right healthcare outcomes and patient experience means providing clinicians with dependable diagnostic tools.

“The use of medical technologies is one of the ways to limit risks associated with inaccurate diagnosis and improve the quality of life of patients,” he added.

To ensure optimal uptime for the equipment, PPC also provides best-in-class maintenance support which involves the training of in-house technical personnel, after-sales repair services and preventive maintenance services.

The Cath-Lab’s unique features such as ClarityIQ technology, which reduces radiation exposure to patients and staff in the interventional lab, Zero Dose Positioning, which provides intuitive feedback on positioning the region of interest in the image beam without using fluoroscopy; coupled with MRC x-ray tubes and powerful real-time image processing for excellent imaging, makes it a perfect fit for safe and accurate clinical procedures.

PPC Healthcare is committed to improving healthcare outcomes through the installation of advanced medical equipment for clinical investigation, diagnosis and treatment across healthcare facilities in every state of Nigeria.

While speaking on the latest trends in industrial operations, Dr. Patrick Ede, the Director of Operations and Head of ICT Division at PPC, noted that the production of high-quality products is a non-negotiable regulatory requirement that all industries must meet.

According to him, industrial automation and control systems can help organizations produce high-precision quality products while meeting health, safety, and environmental requirements.

He called for investment in technological infrastructure capable of reversing business losses, driving digital transformation, meeting growing operations challenges, and boosting business competitiveness.

In the Oil and Gas sector, he said automation using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is particularly useful in the remote monitoring and control of Oil and Gas facilities and activities in real-time, improving the efficiency of oil exploration and production activities.

Ede noted that the digital technology used in industrial automation could also significantly transform the manufacturing sector, create new efficient business models and drive effective business growth and expansion.

He said, “New technologies used in automation are streamlining industrial operations, ensuring cost savings and optimum resource utilization.

“The Nigerian power sector has witnessed improvement in the delivery and reliability of electricity through the remote monitoring of interconnected electricity transmission networks. The GENCOs and DISCOs are using SCADA solutions to monitor the grid, discover abnormalities such as low or high voltage and troubleshoot various faulty situations effectively.”

Such systems as HMI/SCADA solutions allow for remote monitoring, control and visualization of industrial processes for critical operative crisis prevention, improved operational awareness and quick decision-making by managers of industrial systems.

PPC over the years has enhanced the operations of utility companies as well as companies in the Oil and Gas industry through the roll-out and integration of automation systems.

Mr. Anand Kumar, Head of Building Services Engineering Division at PPC, in a statement on Tuesday, said there is growing popularity and desire for user-friendly building designs that incorporate technology for efficiency.

The ability of facility managers to monitor multiple systems, including HVAC, power, fire, lighting, security and plumbing systems in order to solve inefficiency and inconsistency in the building systems, will optimize building management, he added.

He said, “Technology has become an indispensable part of modern building projects. This is because there are benefits to leveraging technology in making building systems more efficient. The integration of digital capabilities like the Internet of​T​hings​(IoT)​ into plumbing, electricity and HVAC systems will help to minimize energy and water​wastage, which directly adds to the cost savings and quicker ROI from the facilities and at the same time improves the level of comfort of occupants.

“Hospitals, hotels and offices are beginning to see the need for intelligent control technologies that allow them to gain insights on how to be efficient, improve processes and productivity, lower cost and create a safe environment for building users. The intelligent control systems will ensure that the heating and cooling of the rooms are done only when needed, enhancing the quality of the environment and reducing the carbon footprint in the building.

“IoT sensors can be installed in offices, industrial and hospitality buildings;​ and are particularly useful in minimizing energy bills as they monitor and control the energy usage of mechanical and electrical equipment.”

A report by the Data Bridge Market Research has predicted that the global Building Management System market valued at $14.10 billion in 2021 is expected to reach $51.73​billion in the next 7 years due to rising economic growth as well as an increase in the awareness and need for improved quality of life with the help of modern energy services.

According to Kumar, new building projects require more security driven by technology to improve identification and access control, and for better surveillance.

He emphasized that property owners and managers can make an informed decision with the data generated from integrated building systems that will help them meet the comfort, enhanced safety and agreed services for their tenants.

PPC Building Services Engineering division has over the years developed strong expertise in the design, installation, monitoring and management of mechanical, electrical and safety systems in high-rise buildings while ensuring their interoperability and optimal functionality.

PPC (formerly Philips Projects Centre) is a wholly Nigerian-owned multi-competency engineering and infrastructure development company. Its core activities are primarily geared towards providing specialized integrated turn-key solutions for projects in ICT, Energy, Power, Healthcare, Building Engineering and other utility sectors.

Following a strategic buyout from the Dutch parent company – Philips Electronics N.V. of the Netherlands, the company commenced business in 1991.

Today, PPC is a Principal Global Partner for Philips M.S. International B.V, and leads in the provision of high-end engineering and ICT solutions premised on cutting-edge technology.

Engineer Kelechi Onuigbo, the Head of Power Division at PPC, in a statement on Wednesday, said that transition from fossil fuel to renewable sources will bring immense benefits to Nigerians as it would provide more secure and affordable energy supplies.

Nigeria Energy Transition Plan seeks to tackle the dual crises of energy poverty and climate change while delivering universal energy access in fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goal 7 by 2030 and the ambitious net-zero target by 2060.

The Nigerian government has also expressed its commitment to sustainability and is hoping to provide 30 Gigawatts (GW) of electricity by the year 2030 with renewable energy contributing at least 30 per cent to the energy mix.

While the government is seeking the required funding, amounting to about $400 billion to implement the energy transition plan, he said the private sector also has a critical role to play in identifying climate risks, de-carbonising their operations and increasing the share of renewable system in their energy mix.

According to him, one of the low-hanging fruits for a just energy transition by the private sector is the solar PV alternative power supply solutions, which is a safe, reliable, affordable and easily accessible source of clean energy electricity.

“Climate change has crept on us and its impacts are absolutely damaging to Nigeria as seen in the recent flooding in some parts of the country that has killed hundreds, destroyed properties and displaced thousands thereby rendering them homeless,” Engr Onuigbo said.

He added, “Collective action is integral to solving the continent’s compelling climate issues, and the private sector can play its role by committing to building renewable and power backup energy systems that ensure energy efficiency.”

He stated that a hybrid power supply through a combination of grid and renewable energy solutions would provide an uninterrupted power supply that is much desired for smooth business operations, adding that other benefits include lower atmospheric contamination and savings in maintenance costs.

PPC is dedicated to ensuring equitable electricity access in Nigeria and has over the years invested in grid infrastructure as well as affordable renewable energy solutions.

PPC through its partnership with prepaid meter producers in the country, has facilitated the installation of about 3,000 smart meters to households and electricity consumers.

The company whose factory at Ojota, Lagos State produces high-quality wire sets for prepaid meters is driving the quick roll out of prepaid meters to electricity consumers in the country.

The company aims to increase the share of local components in energy meters as required by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) by supporting local manufacturing capacity of Metering Service Providers (MSP).

Engr. Kelechi Onuigbo, the Deputy General Manager and Head of the Power Division at PPC, in a statement on Monday, said, “A key part of our vision is in the provision of specialized solutions to the power problems in the country and one of the ways we are achieving this is in the local production of key accessories for smart meters.

“Our efforts at ensuring local content in prepaid meter production is saving the country from capital flight and developing local expertise. We are in the business of helping individuals and businesses have access to affordable electricity by bridging the metering gap in Nigeria’s electricity supply industry.”

He added that the concerted efforts of stakeholders in the power industry under the regulation of the NERC will help the industry achieve distribution of six million meters to consumers under the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) which is a key target of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) programme was established by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to which third-party investors were engaged to finance, procure, supply, install and maintain electricity meters.

The scheme aims to address the issues of estimated billing of customers, close the metering gap, attract private investment in the provision of metering services, protect the revenue stream of the Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) and ensure revenue in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

PPC’s long-drawn commitment to ensuring the elimination of erratic billing and poor electricity supply has led to its investment in off-grid infrastructure and renewable energy solutions.

PPC (formerly Philips Projects Centre) is a wholly Nigerian-owned multi-competency engineering and infrastructure development company.

Its core activities are primarily geared towards providing specialized integrated turn-key solutions for projects in ICT, Energy, Power, Healthcare, Building Engineering and other utility sectors.

Following a strategic buyout of the Dutch parent company – Philips Electronics N.V. of the Netherlands, the company commenced business in 1991.

Today, PPC is a Principal Global Partner for Philips M.S International B.V, and leads in the provision of high-end engineering and ICT solutions premised on cutting-edge technology.