Creating a Responsibility Matrix (often called a RACI matrix) for a 15MVA substation

construction project is essential to ensure clarity, accountability, and smooth coordination

among all stakeholders. Here's a tailored example to guide you:

⚡ Responsibility Matrix for 15MVA Substation Construction

Utility
Project Task Client Consultant Contractor Supplier
Company
Feasibility Study A R C
Site Survey & Soil Investigation C A/R R I
Design & Engineering I A/R C C
Procurement of Equipment
I C A/R R I
(Transformers, Switchgear, etc.)
Civil Works (Foundations, Fencing,
I C A/R I
etc.)
Electrical Installation (Cables, Panels) I C A/R I
Transformer Installation & Testing I C A/R R I
SCADA & Protection System
I A/R C R C
Integration
Utility Interconnection & Approvals C C R A/R
Commissioning & Handover C A R I
Final Documentation & As-Built
I A/R R I
Drawings

🔍 RACI Key:

 R = Responsible (does the work)

 A = Accountable (owns the outcome)
 C = Consulted (provides input)
 I = Informed (kept in the loop)

This matrix can be customized based on your project's structure, whether it's EPC (Engineering,
Procurement, Construction), turnkey, or design-bid-build. If you'd like, I can help you build a
version specific to your team or project phase. Want to dive deeper into one of these roles or
tasks?

Creating a Responsibility Matrix (often called a RACI matrix) for a 15MVA substation
construction project is essential to ensure clarity, accountability, and smooth coordination
among all stakeholders. Here's a tailored example to guide you:
⚡ Responsibility Matrix for 15MVA Substation Construction

Utility
Project Task Client Consultant Contractor Supplier
Company
Feasibility Study A R C
Site Survey & Soil Investigation C A/R R I
Design & Engineering I A/R C C
Procurement of Equipment
I C A/R R I
(Transformers, Switchgear, etc.)
Civil Works (Foundations, Fencing,
I C A/R I
etc.)
Electrical Installation (Cables, Panels) I C A/R I
Transformer Installation & Testing I C A/R R I
SCADA & Protection System
I A/R C R C
Integration
Utility Interconnection & Approvals C C R A/R
Commissioning & Handover C A R I
Final Documentation & As-Built
I A/R R I
Drawings

🔍 RACI Key:

 R = Responsible (does the work)

 A = Accountable (owns the outcome)
 C = Consulted (provides input)
 I = Informed (kept in the loop)

This matrix can be customized based on your project's structure, whether it's EPC (Engineering,
Procurement, Construction), turnkey, or design-bid-build. If you'd like, I can help you build a
version specific to your team or project phase. Want to dive deeper into one of these roles or
tasks?

Absolutely, Kunle! Let’s tailor the responsibility matrix to fit your specific project team for the
15MVA substation construction. To do that, I’ll need a few details from you:

Key Info I Need:

1. Team Roles: Who are the main players on your team? For example:
o Project Manager
o Civil Engineer
o Electrical Engineer
o Procurement Officer
o Safety Officer
o QA/QC Engineer
o Site Supervisor
o Client Representative
o Utility Liaison
2. Project Delivery Method: Is this an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction)
contract, design-bid-build, or turnkey?
3. Any External Stakeholders: Are there consultants, government agencies, or utility
companies involved?
4. Specific Tasks You Want to Track: Do you want to include everything from design to
commissioning, or focus on construction only?

🔧 Once I have that, I’ll build you a customized RACI matrix like this:

Project Civil Electrical Procurement Client Utility

Task
Manager Engineer Engineer Officer Rep Liaison
Site Survey A R C I
Transformer
C A/R I I
Procurement
Cable Installation C A/R I I
Utility Approval C I A/R
Commissioning A C R I C

Just drop me the team structure and any specific tasks or phases you want included, and I’ll build
the full matrix for you. Want to start with the team roles?

Perfect, Kunle! Since you've shared the core team roles—Project Manager, Client
Representative, and Utility Liaison—I'll build a customized Responsibility Matrix for your
15MVA substation construction project using those roles. I’ll assume this is a turnkey or EPC-
style project, but let me know if it’s different.

⚡ Customized Responsibility Matrix for 15MVA Substation Construction

Project Client Utility

Project Task
Manager Representative Liaison
Feasibility Study A/R C I
Site Survey & Soil Investigation A/R C I
Design & Engineering A C C
Equipment Specification & Approval R A C
Procurement of Major Equipment A/R I I
Civil Works (Foundations, Drainage,
A/R I I
Fencing)
Electrical Works (Cabling, Panels,
A/R I I
Earthing)
Project Client Utility
Project Task
Manager Representative Liaison
Transformer Installation & Testing A/R I C
SCADA & Protection System Integration A/R C C
Utility Interconnection & Approvals C I A/R
Pre-commissioning & Testing A/R C C
Final Commissioning & Energization A C A/R
Handover & Documentation A A/R I

🔍 RACI Key:

 R = Responsible (executes the task)

 A = Accountable (owns the outcome)
 C = Consulted (provides input)
 I = Informed (kept in the loop)

Would you like to expand this to include contractors, engineers, or procurement officers? Or
maybe break it down by phases like pre-construction, construction, and commissioning? I can
build that out for you too.

hanks for confirming, Kunle! Since your project follows the EPC (Engineering, Procurement,
Construction) delivery method, we can now build a more precise and practical Responsibility
Matrix that reflects how roles are typically structured in EPC projects.

⚡ EPC-Based Responsibility Matrix for 15MVA Substation Construction

Project Client Utility

Project Task
Manager Representative Liaison
Feasibility Study A/R C I
Site Survey & Soil Investigation A/R C I
Detailed Engineering Design A C C
Equipment Specification & Technical
R A C
Review
Procurement of Major Equipment A/R I I
Vendor Evaluation & Approval A C I
Civil Works Execution A/R I I
Electrical Installation (Cabling, Panels) A/R I I
Transformer Installation & Testing A/R I C
SCADA & Protection System Integration A/R C C
Utility Interconnection & Approvals C I A/R
Pre-commissioning & Testing A/R C C
Final Commissioning & Energization A C A/R
Project Client Utility
Project Task
Manager Representative Liaison
Handover & As-Built Documentation A A/R I

🔍 RACI Key:

 R = Responsible (executes the task)

 A = Accountable (owns the outcome)
 C = Consulted (provides input)
 I = Informed (kept in the loop)

This version reflects the centralized control typical of EPC contracts, where the Project
Manager drives most activities, the Client Representative ensures alignment with expectations,
and the Utility Liaison handles coordination with external power authorities.

Would you like to expand this to include contractors, engineers, or QA/QC roles? Or maybe
break it down by project phases like pre-construction, construction, and commissioning? I can
build that out for you next.

Great, Kunle! Since your 15MVA substation project involves consultants, government
agencies, and EKEDC (Eko Electricity Distribution Company), we can now expand your
Responsibility Matrix to reflect these external stakeholders. Here's how each typically
contributes:

External Stakeholder Roles

Stakeholder Typical Responsibilities

Design validation, technical advisory, quality assurance, and compliance
Consultants
with standards
Government Permitting, land approvals, environmental impact assessments, and
Agencies regulatory oversight
Utility interconnection, grid compliance, final energization, and long-term
EKEDC
operational input

⚡ Expanded EPC Responsibility Matrix with External Stakeholders

Project Client Utility Govt

Project Task Consultant EKEDC
Manager Rep Liaison Agency
Feasibility Study A/R C I C I I
Site Survey & Soil
A/R C I R C I
Investigation
Detailed Engineering Design A C C A/R I C
Equipment Specification & R A C A/R I C
Project Client Utility Govt
Project Task Consultant EKEDC
Manager Rep Liaison Agency
Technical Review
Procurement of Major
A/R I I C I I
Equipment
Vendor Evaluation &
A C I R I C
Approval
Civil Works Execution A/R I I C C I
Electrical Installation
A/R I I C I C
(Cabling, Panels)
Transformer Installation &
A/R I C C I A/R
Testing
SCADA & Protection
A/R C C R I A/R
System Integration
Utility Interconnection &
C I A/R C A A/R
Approvals
Pre-commissioning &
A/R C C R I A/R
Testing
Final Commissioning &
A C A/R C I A/R
Energization
Handover & As-Built
A A/R I R I C
Documentation

🔍 RACI Key:

 R = Responsible (executes the task)

 A = Accountable (owns the outcome)
 C = Consulted (provides input)
 I = Informed (kept in the loop)

This version reflects EKEDC’s critical role in

Perfect, Kunle. Since you want to track everything from design to commissioning for your
15MVA substation EPC project, and you've already shared your core team and external
stakeholders (Client Rep, Utility Liaison, Consultants, Government Agencies, EKEDC), here's a
comprehensive Responsibility Matrix that spans the full project lifecycle.

⚡ Full EPC Responsibility Matrix for 15MVA Substation (Design to Commissioning)

Project Client Utility Govt

Project Phase & Task Consultant EKEDC
Manager Rep Liaison Agency
1. Pre-Design Phase
Feasibility Study A/R C I C I I
Project Client Utility Govt
Project Phase & Task Consultant EKEDC
Manager Rep Liaison Agency
Site Survey & Soil
A/R C I R C I
Investigation
Environmental Impact
C I I R A/R I
Assessment
Land Acquisition &
C I I C A/R I
Permitting
2. Design Phase
Conceptual & Detailed
A C C A/R I C
Engineering
Equipment Specification &
R A C A/R I C
Technical Review
Grid Compliance Design
C I A/R C I A/R
Inputs
3. Procurement Phase
Vendor Evaluation &
A C I R I C
Approval
Procurement of Major
A/R I I C I I
Equipment
Logistics & Delivery
A/R I I C I I
Coordination
4. Construction Phase
Civil Works Execution A/R I I C C I
Electrical Installation
A/R I I C I C
(Cabling, Panels)
Transformer Installation A/R I C C I A/R
SCADA & Protection
A/R C C R I A/R
System Integration
Safety & QA/QC Oversight A/R I I C I I
5. Testing &
Commissioning Phase

EPC Responsibility Matrix for a 15MVA Substation Construction Project in Nigeria

Introduction

In Nigeria’s rapidly growing energy sector, the design and construction of electrical substations
are crucial to meeting the increasing demand for reliable power supply, particularly in
metropolitan regions served by utilities like Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC).
The delivery of a 15MVA substation encompasses a complex array of engineering, procurement,
and construction (EPC) tasks, each requiring precise allocation of responsibilities among internal
roles—such as the Project Manager, Client Representative, Utility Liaison—and external
stakeholders, including consultants, regulatory authorities, and the utility itself. Efficient
coordination and clear demarcation of duties are vital to ensure compliance with Nigerian
standards, timely delivery, and operational reliability.

The EPC Responsibility Matrix (commonly implemented via a RACI model—Responsible,

Accountable, Consulted, Informed) has emerged as an industry best practice for mapping out
roles and preventing ambiguity across the project life cycle. By codifying the engagement of
stakeholders at each step, the matrix supports project success and regulatory adherence, while
systematically addressing risks and bottlenecks. This report proposes a comprehensive, stepwise
Responsibility Matrix tailored to a 15MVA substation project in Lagos, Nigeria, integrating the
latest sector standards, government regulations, and lessons learned from practical case studies
and guidelines.

The ensuing sections address each project phase—Pre-Design, Design, Procurement,

Construction, Testing & Commissioning, and Handover—detailing process requirements,
Nigerian regulatory context, and RACI allocations for all key stakeholders.

1. Pre-Design Phase

1.1 Feasibility Study Requirements for 15MVA Substation in Nigeria

A feasibility study acts as a foundation, evaluating the technical, economic, and regulatory
practicality of building a 15MVA substation at the selected site. In Nigeria, this process critically
involves assessing grid requirements (such as those set out by EKEDC and the Nigerian
Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC), projected load growth, integration with distribution
networks, and local transmission capacity constraints.

The study also reviews site accessibility, land tenure (often entailing government or community
engagement), environmental sensitivities, and alignment with Nigeria’s electricity masterplans.
Economic analysis typically accounts for CAPEX, OPEX, lifecycle planning, and tariff impacts.
Professional consultants and local EPC contractors are often engaged at this stage to execute
technical audits and provide cost projections in accordance with NERC guidelines.

1.2 Site Survey Procedures for Substation Projects in Nigeria

Following feasibility approval, detailed site surveys ascertain topographic, geotechnical, and
hydrological parameters. This is vital for proper design, construction staging, and minimizing
environmental and social impacts. Nigerian practice emphasizes compliance with NESIS
regulations (Nigerian Electricity Supply and Installation Standards) and NEMSA (Nigerian
Electricity Management Services Agency) oversight.

Modern approaches often combine satellite imagery, drone reconnaissance, and in-situ soil
testing. Consultants and external survey contractors must coordinate with community
representatives and, where applicable, land use authorities or urban planners to confirm
boundaries and utility access provisions.
1.3 Environmental Impact Assessment for Power Substations in Nigeria

Nigerian law mandates an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for all substation projects
above a threshold capacity, in line with national EIA Acts and NERC environmental compliance
requirements. The EIA process typically covers baseline studies, community consultation,
environmental/health risks, biodiversity considerations, and the preparation of
mitigation/compensation plans.

Applications for EIA approval require submission to the Federal Ministry of Environment.
Approval is an essential milestone before financial closure or construction mobilization. All
stakeholders—including the utility, project proponent, and local authorities—are “consulted” or
“informed” during EIA proceedings, with specialists and regulatory agencies responsible for
procedural execution and oversight.

1.4 Stakeholder Engagement: Government Agencies and Permitting

Successful project kick-off depends on approvals from government entities such as the Federal
Ministry of Power, NERC, NEMSA, State-level physical planning agencies, and, critically, the
local utility (EKEDC). Land acquisition, grid connection agreements, and permits for
construction and environmental compliance form the regulatory backdrop for project
advancement.

Stakeholder engagement—ranging from township meetings to formal regulatory submissions—is

increasingly viewed as a risk-mitigation imperative, ensuring project alignment with community
expectations and managing adverse impacts from the outset.

RACI Matrix – Pre-Design Phase

Project Client Utility Govt. Survey Community

Activity/Task Consultant EKEDC
Manager Rep Liaison Agencies Contractor Rep
Feasibility
R/A C C R C C I I
Study
Site Survey A I C C C C R C
Environmental
C I C R A/R C I C
Assessment
Permitting &
C R/A C C A/R I I C
Approvals
Stakeholder
A R C C C C I R
Engagement

Key: R=Responsible, A=Accountable, C=Consulted, I=Informed

The preceding RACI matrix illustrates a typical division of responsibilities for the Pre-Design
phase of a Nigerian substation project. The Project Manager takes a directive role (“A” and/or
“R”) in orchestrating technical and stakeholder tasks, while the Client Representative is focused
on securing regulatory permits and coordinating with agencies. Utility Liaisons and EKEDC
representatives are engaged to align the project scope with network requirements. The
Consultant is essential for specialist tasks such as feasibility assessments and EIAs, whereas
government agencies exert decisive influence over environmental review and permitting actions.
Community consultations are recognized as a core feature, with engagement often mediated by
external consultants or directly by the Client Representative.

2. Design Phase

2.1 Engineering Design Standards for 15MVA Substations

Substation design must conform to rigorous technical and regulatory standards. In Nigeria,
designs are harmonized with NESIS and often reference international standards such as IEC
61850 (for substation automation communications and protection), IEEE, and local utility
specifications.

Key deliverables in this phase include:

 Primary system layout (incoming/outgoing feeders, busbar configurations)

 Equipment sizing (power transformers, switchgear, protection systems)
 Earthing and lightning protection
 Control and SCADA integration (increasingly conforming to IEC 61850 protocols for
interoperability)
 Detailed civil, structural, and architectural drawings

The Project Manager and internal engineering team lead the design process, collaborating closely
with EPC consultants and EKEDC’s technical team to ensure compatibility with distribution
network and automation requirements. Iterative design reviews and formal approvals by
regulatory authorities and the utility are mandatory at key milestones.

2.2 EKEDC Interconnection Requirements and Coordination

For substations interfacing with EKEDC, adherence to their specific interconnection protocols is
critical. EKEDC’s requirements typically stipulate technical specifications for metering,
interface protection, SCADA points, fault levels, and relay coordination.

Thorough coordination is necessary to synchronize project design with EKEDC’s expansion

plans, control room integration, and reliability standards. The Utility Liaison is pivotal in these
engagements, ensuring that the design proposals and physical infrastructure align with grid codes
and that all EKEDC approvals are secured before procurement and construction proceed.

2.3 Output: Engineering Design Packages and Approvals

The Design phase concludes with the delivery of signed-off engineering drawings, bills of
quantities (BoQs), and specifications, ready for procurement. Approval documentation from
NEMSA/NERC and the utility is a prerequisite for subsequent stages.
RACI Matrix – Design Phase

Project Utility Govt.

Activity/ Clien Consultan EKED Designer/
Manage Liaiso Agencie QA/QC
Task t Rep t C Engineer
r n s
Develop
Design R/A C C R I C R C
Criteria
Preliminary
Design A I C R C C R C
Review
Detailed
R/A I C R I C R C
Engineering
Utility
C I R/A C I R I I
Coordination
Regulatory
Design C I C C A/R C I I
Approval
QA/QC
R I I C I C C A/R
(Design)

The Design phase’s matrix emphasizes the leadership of the Project Manager and design
engineers, with consultants providing specialist expertise. The Utility Liaison, working closely
with EKEDC, is responsible for facilitating interconnection agreements and ensuring technical
standards are met. Regulatory agencies are “Accountable” where their approvals are compulsory,
while the Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) function checks the integrity of designs
before they enter procurement.

3. Procurement Phase

3.1 Procurement Processes in EPC Power Projects

Procurement for substations encompasses long-lead equipment (transformers, switchgear),

primary/secondary materials, and services required for civil works and installation. The process
includes market survey, prequalification of suppliers, tendering, vendor evaluation, contract
negotiation, purchase order (PO) issuance, and logistics management.

In Nigeria, procurement also requires adherence to local content policies and anti-corruption
regulations—often monitored by NERC and government procurement agencies. For mission-
critical items like transformers, witnessed Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) is a standard
prerequisite. The Project Manager orchestrates procurement activities, with significant
consulting input for technical reviews and vendor audits. The Client typically retains final sign-
off on high-value procurement decisions.

3.2 Regulatory Standards and Certification Requirements

Equipment and materials must bear certification from NEMSA (Nigerian Electricity
Management Services Agency) and, when imported, comply with SONCAP (Standards
Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme) protocols. Procurement contracts
may also stipulate requirements for environmental sustainability and occupational health and
safety tracking.

3.3 Role of Project Manager and Utility Liaison

The Project Manager holds central responsibility for procurement scheduling, risk management,
and financial control, ensuring materials/services are in place to avoid construction delays. The
Utility Liaison is engaged for technical clarifications with EKEDC, particularly where variations
arise in specification or timelines threaten grid integration commitments. The Client’s
Representative typically authorizes final selection of vendors, ensuring compliance with project,
utility, and regulatory requirements.

RACI Matrix – Procurement Phase

Project Client Utility Govt. Procurement

Activity/Task Consultant EKEDC Vendor
Manager Rep Liaison Agencies Officer
Define
Procurement R/A A C C I C R I
Plan
Prepare Tender
R/A C C R I I R C
Documents
Supplier
R I C C C C A C
Prequalification
Bid Evaluation A R C C I I R/C C
Order
R/A C I I I I A C
Placement
FAT/Quality
R I C C C C A R
Certification
Delivery
R/A I C C I I A R
Logistics

Within procurement, the Project Manager is responsible and often accountable for plan
execution, risk tracking, and coordination of vendor activities. Consultants participate in
specialist evaluations and technical reviews. The Procurement Officer manages the granular
sourcing activities, while regulatory and utility stakeholders have a consultative role to ensure
compliance and grid compatibility. Vendors/contractors are responsible for execution tasks such
as delivery logistics and FAT arrangements.

4. Construction Phase

4.1 Construction Management Best Practices for Substation Projects

Substation construction in Nigeria must observe high standards of safety, schedule discipline,
and technical compliance. Best practices include methodical site mobilization, phased civil
works (foundations, trenches, buildings), assembly of primary electrical equipment, and rigorous
QA/QC management.

Daily site operations are typically supervised by the EPC’s Site Manager in cooperation with the
Project Manager, supported by Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) officers, QA/QC teams,
and specialist subcontractors. Regular reporting—both to the client and relevant authorities—is
essential for tracking progress and compliance.

4.2 Utility and Regulatory Inspections

Inspections by NEMSA, NERC, and the utility—EKEDC—ensure construction practices align

with national safety standards and approved designs. Permit-to-work systems and daily job
hazard assessments help mitigate risks. Any field design changes must be backed by revised
approvals and robust change management documentation.

4.3 Stakeholder Engagement During Construction

Continued engagement with community representatives, landowners, and municipal authorities

helps address social impacts, prevent disputes, and maintain access/rights-of-way throughout the
construction phase. Communication protocols established at the pre-design stage are adapted for
resolution of issues like traffic management, noise control, and workforce accommodation.

RACI Matrix – Construction Phase

Project Utility Govt. Site HSE

Clien Consulta EKED Contracto
Activity/Task Manage Liaiso Agencie Manage Office
t Rep nt C r
r n s r r
Mobilization R/A I I C I I R A C
Civil Works R/A I I C I C R A C
Electrical
A I C C I R R A C
Installation
Site QA/QC R/A I C C I C R C A
Utility/
Regulatory C I R C A/R R I I C
Inspections
HSE Monitoring C I I I I C C I A/R
Community
R/A R C C C C C I I
Relations

As reflected above, the Project Manager remains the “accountable” party for project delivery,
coordinating all internal and external activities. Site Managers/Contractors direct operations on
the ground, while regulatory compliance falls under both NEMSA/Government agency
inspection and the utility’s (EKEDC) periodic checks. HSE Officers take primary responsibility
for safety culture and statutory reporting. The Client Representative stays actively engaged in
community relations, acting as primary liaison for issue escalation or resolution.

5. Testing & Commissioning Phase

5.1 Testing Protocols for Electrical Substations

Prior to energization, comprehensive testing and commissioning protocols are enforced to

demonstrate design conformity and operational safety. International good practice is to apply
systematic procedures spanning insulation resistance, ratio tests, breaker function, protection
relay settings, SCADA data verification, and integrated system operation simulations.

Procedures in Nigeria are codified by NEMSA and NERC guidelines, augmented by EKEDC-
specific requirements for grid synchronization and interconnection safety. Witnessed tests (by
the client, utility, and regulatory officials) bolster the independence and credibility of the
commissioning process.

5.2 Role of Project Manager and Utility Liaison

The Project Manager ensures all systems are ready for testing, coordinates schedules, and
manages punch list rectification. Specialist commissioners/consultants implement test plans,
while EKEDC engineers verify grid interface parameters and approve connection readiness.
Regulatory inspectors confirm statutory and operational compliance.

5.3 Documentation and Regulatory Handover

Extensive documentation—test sheets, as-built drawings, commissioning certificates, safety

sign-offs—is compiled for regulatory agencies (NEMSA/NERC) and the utility. Formal
communication to stakeholders precedes energization, and contingency protocols are validated
for first-time operation.

RACI Matrix – Testing & Commissioning Phase

Project Utility Govt.

Clien Consulta EKED Commissioni QA/
Activity/Task Manage Liaiso Agencie
t Rep nt C ng Engineer QC
r n s
Develop Test Plan R/A I C C I C R C
Installation Pre-
R I C C I C A R
Checks
Functional/
R/A I C R C C R C
Protection Testing
Utility Interface
C I R/A C I R C I
Tests
Witnessing/
Regulatory C I C C A/R C C I
Inspections
Project Utility Govt.
Clien Consulta EKED Commissioni QA/
Activity/Task Manage Liaiso Agencie
t Rep nt C ng Engineer QC
r n s
Compiling
Certification R/A I I C C I C C
Dossiers
System Handover to
C I R C I A/R I I
Utility

Responsibility for test planning and execution is split between the Project Manager and the
Commissioning Engineer. Regulatory agencies are deeply involved in test witnessing and system
sign-off, while EKEDC assumes increased prominence as the handover agent. Consultants
support as technical specialists, while QA/QC officers ensure the documentation trail is complete
and unambiguous, supporting regulatory and warranty compliance.

6. Handover and Closeout Phase

6.1 Handover and Closeout Procedures in EPC Substation Projects

The EPC contract culminates in a formal handover process, comprising system documentation
transfer, training of operations personnel, verification of “as-built” asset registers, and, when
applicable, completion of snag list (defects correction) items. The Nigerian context dictates that
regulatory approvals from NEMSA/NERC, as well as EKEDC, must be recorded in the handover
dossier.

Warranties, maintenance manuals, and operations training form crucial parts of closeout.
Transfer of responsibility for ongoing O&M (Operations & Maintenance) is carefully
documented—supported in some cases by short-term EPC monitoring contracts to guarantee
early reliability.

6.2 Best Practices for EPC Responsibility Matrix Implementation

Effective deployment of a responsibility matrix during closeout hinges upon careful definition of
document custodianship (Client Rep/Project Manager), clear criteria for snag list resolution, and
unambiguous communication protocols for warranty claims. International best practice further
recommends an “after-action review” (lessons learned workshop), engaging all parties—
including regulators and utility staff—for process improvement and risk reduction on future
projects.

RACI Matrix – Handover & Closeout Phase

O&
Project Utility Govt.
Clien Consulta EKED M QA/ Subcontracto
Activity/Task Manage Liaiso Agencie
t Rep nt C Tea QC rs
r n s
m
Handover R/A A/R C C I C I R I
O&
Project Utility Govt.
Clien Consulta EKED M QA/ Subcontracto
Activity/Task Manage Liaiso Agencie
t Rep nt C Tea QC rs
r n s
m
Documentation
Training
Operations R/A I C C I C A/R C C
Staff
As-Built
Records R/A I C C I I I A/R C
Submission
Regulatory
Approval C I C C A/R C I I I
Signoff
Defects List
R/A I I C I C I C R/A
(Snagging)
Lessons
Learned R R C C C C C I C
Review
Warranty/
Claims R/A C I C I I R C C
Management

During the handover and closeout phase, the Project Manager and Client Representative are
“Accountable” for final documentation and the transfer of operational responsibility. The O&M
team assumes new “Responsible” roles for ongoing maintenance, while regulatory agents are
“Accountable” for final sign-off. Subcontractors may retain “Accountable” and “Responsible”
status for resolution of outstanding defects, based on contractual obligations.

7. Regulatory Standards and Compliance

7.1 Nigerian Electric Power Sector Regulatory Landscape

A 15MVA substation construction project must comply with the regulatory framework of the
Nigerian electricity market—principally governed by NERC, NEMSA, and NESIS. Licensing,
inspection, safety certification, and grid code compliance are rigorously enforced at each phase.

Further, EKEDC’s operational territory in Lagos is subject to additional technical scrutiny due to
the urban criticality of power supply, load flow sensitivities, and historical issues of grid
reliability. Key standards to which the EPC matrix must align include:

 NESIS 2015 for installation standards

 NERC regulations for operator licensing, approvals, and safety
 EKEDC’s grid interface and performance standards
 The Nigerian EIA Act for environmental stewardship
 SONCAP/ISO certifications for imported primary equipment
A thorough understanding of these requirements, and integration into the project matrix, is
necessary for legal, technical, and operational success.

8. Best Practices for EPC Responsibility Matrix Implementation

8.1 Matrix Development and Updating

Creating an effective EPC Responsibility Matrix entails early stakeholder engagement, iterative
updates in response to project changes, and explicit assignment of “Accountable” roles for every
deliverable. Continuous training in matrix use and proactive resolution of grey areas (often
arising during design changes or regulatory shifts) ensures a living document that enhances
governance and project control.

International guidelines reinforce the value of digital project management tools for matrix
tracking, version control, and integration with scheduling, budgeting, and risk management
platforms.

8.2 Case Studies: Substation Projects in Nigeria

Examining recent projects in Nigeria, such as the commissioning of new 15MVA substations by
major utilities (e.g., Ikeja Electric’s Kwaru 15MVA substation, EKEDC’s 2x20MVA substation
initiative), reveals that robust assignment matrices correlate with delivery success and fewer
regulatory disputes. These cases underscore the necessity of deep regulatory engagement
(including repeated joint inspections and test witnessing) and elaborate on the value of
documented role assignments for responding efficiently to emergent technical, environmental, or
social challenges.

8.3 Stakeholder Management and Continuous Improvement

Stakeholder consultation extends throughout the project, embedding feedback loops for
regulatory, community, and utility inputs. Lessons learned and best practices are fed back into
future project matrix calibrations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement—now widely
regarded as essential for EPC contractors seeking to operate successfully within Nigeria’s
challenging energy project environment.

9. Conclusion

The deployment of a 15MVA substation in Nigeria requires a finely orchestrated, phase-by-

phase allocation of responsibilities, integrating the unique demands of the country’s regulatory,
environmental, and operational context. A comprehensive EPC Responsibility Matrix rooted in
the RACI model is not simply a documentation artifact, but a cornerstone tool for risk mitigation,
regulatory compliance, stakeholder trust, and delivery excellence.

This report has detailed the specific requirements, best practices, and responsible parties for each
phase of such a project—from conception to commissioning and closeout—supported by the
most current sector guidelines and case studies. Implementation of this matrix-centered
methodology is vital to ensuring that all parties, from project managers to utility officials and
regulatory agents, are aligned in purpose and action across the project’s lifecycle.

In summary, the strength of an EPC Responsibility Matrix lies in its adaptability, clarity, and
inclusivity, forming the connective tissue across technical, regulatory, and community interfaces
that will define the future of reliable power infrastructure not only in Lagos, but across Nigeria.