Operation and Maintenance Engineering is multidisciplinary in nature. It transcends the boundaries separating many disciplines of arts, emerging technology and science. Commonly abbreviated as O&M, this division of engineering focuses mainly on developing models, tools and methodologies required to provide high system dependability. Operation and Maintenance engineering also ensures efficient and effective maintenance processes for both new and existing systems such as home and industrial power generators.
What are the functions of O&M engineers?
Operation and Maintenance engineers are experts in troubleshooting and fixing faulty electrical switches, repairing electrical / mechanical systems, frequently checking blueprints, repair manuals and parts catalogues, and improving overall performance of systems. Following a checklist, they inspect drives, motors, and belts, check fluid levels, replace filters, and carry out other maintenance services. O&M technicians often keep records of their work. Their priority is to ascertain the integrity of all systems, identify and correct designs defects, and eliminate Inaccuracies until project completion. Professional O&M engineers use specialized equipment and electronic testing devices to monitor, identify worn or broken parts and fix them. Where, necessary, they make adjustments to correct malfunctioning equipment and machines.
Asset performance improvement is therefore a driving force for O&M professionals who continuously provide operations support to ensure delivery of fully tested and operational asset to clients.
Demand for professional Q&M engineering services in Nigeria
Power supply in Nigeria has been on the decline for decades and this frustrating situation calls for urgent attention from the three-tier Government, which has little or no clue on how this problem can be solved. Electricity generation in the country earlier this week fell below the 4,000 megawatts after 11 power plants on the national grid suffered temporary shutdown and others declined in output, according to an update from the Nigerian Electricity System Operator. Nigeria generates most of its electricity from gas-fired power plants, while output from hydropower plants makes up about 30% of the total generation. But demand for power is higher than supply, and the enormous impact on business activities in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized.
O&M Solutions
Operation and Maintenance Engineering services are available in Nigeria, and in high demand by individuals, public, private institutions as well as multinational corporations. However, there is scarcity of O&M engineering companies that have reputation for maintaining high standards of professionalism and integrity while providing affordable and reliable services. Only few Q&M firms in Nigeria have a track record of (a) installing mechanical and electrical distribution components (b) commissioning, decommissioning, manning (i.e. provision of technical manpower), and (c) repairing and maintaining industrial diesel and gas plants for companies within and outside the country—at reasonable costs.
Evidence-based findings show that O&M operators across Nigerian states are currently manning systems producing 20kva to Megawatt of power, including electrical transformers across Nigeria. The engineering brands are also providing engineering consultancy services such as overhauling and welding of Gas and Diesel Pipes and Fabrication of Equipment. O&M services are available for companies in the Oil and Gas, Manufacturing, Construction, Real Estate, Banking / Financial Sectors.
With the increasing global awareness that O&M engineering ensures safe and sustainable performance as well as creates additional value for the business process, O&M technicians in Nigeria are developing and maximizing human and material resources required for world-class engineering services. Many of the fast-growing tech companies in Nigeria are open for partnership with indigenous and multinational companies.
