FG mulls transformer plant, sends 60 Nigerian engineers for training in China
60 Nigerian electrical engineers Tuesday left Nigeria for China under a new programme powered by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to train Nigerians on latest technologies in electric transformer manufacturing.
Business Hilights gathered that on completion of their trainings, the 60 engineers will return to Nigeria to deploy different specialisations acquired in China along manufacturing line of transformer plant and High-Voltage Testing Lab.
In a statement issued by NASENI Deputy Director (Information), Mr Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, the agency said the training was targeted at establishing a fully indigenous transformer plant to be operated and managed by Nigerians with local content as priority.
NASENI added that the move is a major leap toward establishing the Federal Government’s proposed Transformer Manufacturing plant and High voltage Testing Laboratory in Nigeria.
The agency revealed that the Transformer Manufacturing Plant and Testing Laboratory are to be located at the Power Equipment and Electrical Machinery Development Institute (PEEMADI), an institute under NASENI located in Okene, Kogi.
In his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Prof. Mohammed Haruna, said he felt fulfilled that a new phase in the journey toward having Nigeria’s own transformer manufacturing plant and High Voltage Testing Laboratory had opened with the departure of the engineers to China.
He appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, for the confidence reposed in NASENI and its management to facilitate the project.
Besides, NASENI boss also expressed his gratitude to the Chinese Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), a major partner in the implementation of the project.
The Chinese group is training the engineers in a number of fields including the production of components and spare parts, bolts and nuts, machines and other equipment used globally to drive the power sector.
Fact check revealed on the project showed that the Federal Government had in 2013, signed an agreement with the Chinese Greatwall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) for the training but could not be implemented until recently when the reappointed Minister of Science & Technology revived the deal with support from the presidency.
