Oil & Energy
Schneider Electric Donates 300KVA Transformer To Institute
Schneider Electric, global specialist in energy management, has donated a 300KVA distribution transformer to the Institute for Industrial Technology (IIT) in Lagos.
Schneider Electric made the donation to the institute under its corporate social responsibility initiative.
Prior to this donation, the institute and its environs were not connected to the national grid thereby resulting in arbitrarily high costs of running the institute on generators.
In 2008, Schneider Electric embarked on an access to energy programme, which included the provision of sustainable renewable energy solutions to people at the base of the pyramid and strong investments in electrical technical training.
Speaking at the inauguration event, country President, Mr Marcel Hochet, said: “We are not only here to do business, but also to contribute to the development of the people and society. We are, especially, concerned about technical education and are committed to increasing the levels that exist today in the country. Standard technical training is essential to real economic development and will continue to invest in training and maintain our partnership with IIT.” IIT, is a world class, non-profit, single sex, technical-vocational school, known for its high technical and moral standards.
“IIT offers top-quality hands-on practical skills training to Nigerian youths and adults mainly from the lower income stratum of society. The extremely high quality training received has enabled its students become easily employable and to advance rapidly in their carriers. This empowers students to improve their family income, hence, their socio economic conditions. Programmes include courses in electromechanics, mechatronics, modular programmes (welding, electrical installation, bricklaying, refrigeration and air conditioning, pipework, titling) and pneumatics and valves.
In his appreciation speech also at the event, current Director of IIT, Mr Olumide Akinjo, said the gesture by Schneider Electric could not have come at a better time, when the school was in dire need of a regular source of electricity supply. He added that the provision of grid electricity has greatly reduced the cost of running the school.
He thanked the management of Schneider Electric for its support in educational and training materials over the last four years and expressed the institute’s interest to continue and grow the partnership between the two.
As part of the restructuring, the company said it had promoted high-performing employees, released retiring staff, and disengaged others whose performance fell below expected standards.
It added that it has also begun implementing a comprehensive employee development and customer management plan to strengthen its service delivery framework.
“In line with its corporate transformation strategy, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company has announced a restructuring exercise aimed at delivering improved services to its customers as well as enhanced operational efficiency and excellence.
“The restructuring is in line with our strategic direction to become a more responsive and efficient organisation, capable of delivering world-class service to our customers.
“As part of the transformation, the Company has promoted high-performing staff, released retiring employees and those performing below par, and has put in motion the implementation of a robust employee development and customer management plan aimed at driving AEDC’s customer-centric focus,” the company said.
AEDC noted that the reforms are part of its broader commitment to provide reliable, safe, and sustainable electricity to customers across its franchise areas, including the Federal Capital Territory and the states of Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa.
The firm further pledged to continue investing in infrastructure upgrades, digital technologies, and operational innovations to improve service reliability and customer satisfaction.
“With a strong commitment to delighting its customers, AEDC continues to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria’s energy sector through investments in infrastructure, innovative technologies, and sustainable practices.
“AEDC consistently seeks to improve the quality of life for its customers, promote efficient energy usage, and actively engage with its communities,” the statement added.
Nwoko who is also the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, said that forensic reviews show over S22b, S81b and S200b remained unaccounted for across different audit periods.
“I remain committed, alongside my colleagues, to ensuring accountability, recovery, and reform within the oil and gas sector.
Nwoko stated that the Committee had earlier presented its interim report before the senate saying “Our investigation has so far uncovered massive revenue losses amounting to over $300 billion in unaccounted crude oil proceeds over the years.
“This represents one of the most troubling cases of economic sabotage our nation has ever faced.
“We have made far-reaching recommendations to end this long-standing menace.
“There is need for strict enforcement of international crude oil measurement standards at all production and export points.
He urged the federal government to mandate the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to deploy modern, tamper-proof measuring technology or return this function to the Department of Weights and Measures under the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
The senator called for the deployment of advanced surveillance systems, including drones, to assist security agencies in combating oil theft.
He also called for the creation of a Special Court for Crude Oil Theft to ensure swift prosecution of offenders and their collaborators, saying it would also go a long way in tackling the challenge.
“We must also ensure the full implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust Fund under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to empower local communities and reduce sabotage.
“Ceding abandoned oil wells to the NUPRC for allocation to modular refineries to support local production and job creation is also very vital in fighting the menace of oil theft and sabotage,” Nwoko further said.