AI can solve Nigeria’s electricity problems, female engineers tell Adelabu

The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) is urging the Nigerian government to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform the country’s struggling power sector. In a recent address, APWEN President Dr. Adebisi Osim emphasized the potential of AI to revolutionize energy generation, transmission, and distribution.

Dr. Osim highlighted the pivotal role of reliable electricity in driving socio-economic development and improving living standards. However, Nigeria’s power sector has long faced challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and corruption.

With AI, Dr. Osim believes these challenges can be tackled head-on. Advanced analytics and machine learning, she explains, can optimize energy systems by analyzing vast amounts of data and identifying areas for improvement. Predictive maintenance models, for instance, can preemptively address equipment failures, reducing downtime and enhancing reliability.

Moreover, AI-powered solutions offer promise in addressing non-technical issues like energy access and affordability. Smart grids enabled by AI facilitate real-time monitoring and load balancing, ensuring a stable power supply.

However, Dr. Osim emphasizes the importance of addressing the challenges posed by AI deployment. A robust legal and regulatory framework, she asserts, is crucial to safeguard privacy, data protection, and ethics. Inclusivity and fairness must be prioritized to ensure AI solutions benefit all segments of society.

As Nigeria stands at a turning point, APWEN advocates for embracing AI as a catalyst for progress in the power sector, paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable energy future.