TCN appeals for extension of tax waiver

By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has appealed to the government to extend the waiver granted to companies in the energy sector to enable them to clear their imported equipment needed for the completion of the World Bank-sponsored Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system deployment project.
The company also assured the public of the completion of the World Bank-sponsored Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system deployment project by the end of the fourth quarter of 2024
In a statement circulated by the General Manager of Public Affairs, Ms Ndidi Mbah, the company noted that the chairman of the TCN steering committee on the implementation of the World Bank SCADA/EMS and Telecommunication project, Engr. Balarabe Abdullahi, gave this assurance at a meeting to evaluate the work of the committee in Abuja.
TCN noted that contractors are having problems with the payment of 7.5 per cent value-added tax (VAT) as the waiver extended to the industry expired last year.
Engr. Abdullahi called on the management of TCN to reach out to the federal government to renew the waiver as the cost component of VAT was not included in the initial plan.
“SCADA is a system that allows for perfect monitoring and control of field devices at a remote location. When deployed it will help TCN to monitor and control activities of electricity generating companies, distribution companies and the transmission network,” the statement said.
Commending members of the committee for their efforts towards ensuring the smooth implementation of the project, Engr Abdullahi who is also the General Manager, of Technical Services (TCN) said all is now set for the full deployment of the new SCADA system.
He said the deployment will help reduce most of the challenges associated with an efficient supply of electricity in the country.
He added that the steering committee has worked tirelessly with the contractor and staff of TCN across the country to identify possible challenges that can hinder the execution of the project.
He disclosed that some gaps have been identified and the committee is set to meet with TCN management to find ways to resolve them.
He concluded that the staff of TCN have been sent to Europe and China for training in every area including the technical and telecommunication management of the SCADA system when deployed.
Presenting the report of the steering committee on the rehabilitation of the World Bank SCADA for internal review, TCN Executive Director, Independent System Operator, Engr. Mamman Lawal said all equipment for the project has been imported into the country.



