Historic Power Project Transforms Surulere Community

By Rebecca Ejifoma

Residents of Mercy Eneli Street, Surulere are celebrating an unprecedented milestone in Nigeria’s power sector, thanks to the Mercy Eneli Substation Enhancement project.

Completed in early 2021, this innovative initiative has delivered reliable, uninterrupted electricity to the community—an achievement that sets a new benchmark in public power supply.

This trailblazing project combined the national grid with a high-capacity transformer, an advanced switchgear system, and dual backup sources: diesel and solar power generators. It marks the first time in Nigeria that a public community has enjoyed round-the-clock electricity through such a hybrid power solution.

Pioneering Collaboration for Reliable Power

Sponsored by the Lagos State Government and executed by the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), the project was launched as a pilot initiative for a broader statewide electrification strategy. EKEDC partnered with Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company Limited (MEMMCOL) to bring the vision to life.

Leading the charge were key figures, including

Ark Ifeanyi, Lead Project Engineer, EKEDC; Engr. Jonathan Lawani, Project Manager, EKEDC; Habeeb Olorukooba, Project Engineer, MEMMCOL; Engr. Badmus Abd-rahman, Project Manager, MEMMCOL.

Transformative Impact and Future Prospects

With a substantial budget, the Mercy Eneli Substation Enhancement pilot successfully provided constant electricity to about 100 homes. This breakthrough has not only enhanced the quality of life for residents but also stimulated local economic growth by enabling small businesses to operate without power interruptions.

The pilot’s success spurred the expansion of the Lagos State Electrification Program, which has since brought reliable electricity to over 2000 residential buildings across the bustling city of Lagos. This achievement underscores the potential of hybrid power systems to solve Nigeria’s electricity challenges.

The Mercy Eneli Substation Enhancement is more than just an infrastructure project; it’s a game-changer that sets the stage for future innovations in Nigeria’s energy sector.